Through The Cracks The Light Is Born
MariPosa, 2026
8/10
Listen to Through The Cracks The Light Is Born
The adaptable jazz singer Marie-Paule Franke brings us 7 haunting and emotive tracks for this debut that welcomes Amir Mankovski, Dongfeng Liu, Marcos Varela and Mathias Kunzli.
“Twilight Whispers” opens with a soft tribute to Joni Mitchell, where Liu’s gentle keys and Kunzli’s cautious percussion suits the pretty singing, and “‘Tis Yours” follows with Mankovski’s soulful sax that complements the expressive vocals of the powerful setting.
“Freedom” and “Dagger Heart” arrive in the middle. The former is strong on ambience via the colorful scatting, crisp drums and warm piano, while the latter offers a poetic moment that’s eloquent and heartfelt thanks to Franke’s careful delivery.
“Echo Nomade” exits, and showcases Franke’s bi-lingual skills amid Varela’s bass plucking acrobatics in the rich and timeless finish.
The songs surround love, pain, loss and freedom, as Franke’s diverse pipes align with rhythmic moments, balladry and no lack of melodies and mysterious bouts.
Travels well with: Margee Minier-Tubbs- The Bells; Bonnie J Jensen- Rise