I Am Soul
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The powerful vocalist Sofia Rubina brings her Estonian heritage to the classic songs by Bonnie Raitt, George Duke and Chick Corea, plus a handful of originals that blend jazz and soul with much care.
The twinkling “Home” gets the listen off to a dreamy start, where Evgeny Lebedev’s graceful keys are met with Rubina’s glowing vocals, and “Taim” follows with Ignat Kravtsov’s crisp drums amid the strong attention to mood that allows for Rubina’s soulful pipes to shine.
In the middle, “Great Life” brings a rich climate of warm and melodic gestures, while “I Can’t Make You Love Me” recruits strings for the gorgeous interpretation of the emotive classic that showcases a sublime intimacy.
Landing near the end, “Come To Your Senses” uses Anton Revnyuk’s playful bass via the frisky delivery and well timed grooves, and “Open Your Eyes You Can Fly” exits with a lively energy that comes with an R&B spirit populating the punchy and dynamic finish.
Rubina’s craft also embraces pop, gospel and blues, and she welcomes American influences into her Northern European formula that gives her jazz template a worldly appeal.
Travels well with: Dianne Fraser- You And I; Audrey Silver- Oklahoma