There's an air of sadness hovering over this, the third album by Lauren Henderson to be reviewed on BSH. The other two: ALMA OSCURA and THE SONGBOOK SESSION were both reviewed by my dear friend Ann Alexander (Ann Alex) who died one year ago today (August 24, 2024).
Ann loved both albums and, re-reading her reviews a year later, I know she would have loved this one.
It's an appealing mix of standards and originals sung in Spanish or English usually over a Latin rhythm by a singer with a soft, cajoling voice that finds a previously uncharted route to the listener's heart taking no prisoners on the way.
Henderson's opening chorus of On the Street Where You Live with only Douglas' bass for support is one of those moments of magic I wanted to stay with me forever although I wasn't complaining when the others joined in.
And those 'others'. how unforgivable of me to dismiss them so casually when they are NYC A-listers all. Quintero only appears on Soledad but his bongos, congas, timbales or whatever provide the rhythmic pulse that gives singer and soloist such a lift.
In Ross we have a vibes player who brings old school swing to contemporary cool. Likewise Fortner who apart from his solo gigs at home and abroad is the pianist singers seek out when they need an accompanist.
In Douglas and Wheeler you have two bass players that deliver big time whilst Joe Dyson, who is a relatively new name to me, is a one to bear in mind when voting in the DownBeat poll.
Just about every day I'm knocked out by a singer and Lauren doesn't let the side down. Recommended by the spirit of Ann Alex and myself. Lance
Vida; Bold; Si Nos Dejan; Love is Here to Stay; Flight; Luna; On the Street Where You Live; Let's Face the Music and Dance; This Time the Dream's on me; Soledad; Sounds; Ola; Truth; Trouble; La Llegada; Sonidos
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