When Cécile McLorin Salvant, the French-Haitian singer who grew up in the United States, took to the stage at Ronnie Scott’s for her inaugural performance at just 25 years old in 2014, she left audiences spellbound with her remarkable talent. Yet, it soon became clear that her exceptional vocal abilities were merely one facet of what set her apart.
Salvant encapsulates all vital aspects of jazz artistry—an effortlessly cool sense of timing, improvisational genius, and a vocal clarity that echoes legends such as Sarah Vaughan. Moreover, she possesses a remarkable ability to transport listeners into an enchanting auditory landscape through her music. Her latest project, *Oh Snap*, features twelve original compositions along with a cover song that she meticulously developed over four years in collaboration with her bandmates. This album represents her first venture into blending electronic elements influenced by gritty pop alongside intimate folk sounds while building on the classical vocal training and rich jazz influences she absorbed during her formative years in France from the early to mid-2000s.As noted by Salvant herself, her enthusiasm for visual arts substantially fueled this bold creative change.
The opening track “I Am a Volcano,” highlights delicate vocals that gradually escalate against an engaging drum loop; conversely, “Anything Else But Now,” which delves into themes of procrastination, is an upbeat jazz piece showcasing pianist Sullivan Fortner’s fluid style. Another standout moment is found in “Rob This Stone,” where Salvant harmonizes beautifully with fellow artists June McDoom and Kate Davis—a true highlight on the album—alongside “What Does Blue Mean to You,” which shifts from soft conversational tones to powerful soul-infused expressions inspired by Toni Morrison’s *Beloved*. The introspective piece “Expanse,” born from experiences during the pandemic; playful Auto-Tuned electro-pop track “A Little Bit More”; along with the vibrant synth-driven title track all exemplify how this remarkable artist continues to reinvent herself without hesitation.
fresh Releases This Month
Diverse geographical influences have occasionally kept Led Bib, a distinctive UK ensemble led by American drummer Heed Holub—who was nominated for a Mercury Prize back in ’09—somewhat subdued recently; however their latest offering *hotel Pupik* (Cuneiform Records) simplifies their lineup down to just two saxophones accompanied by bass and drums while recapturing much of their original raw energy through tracks like “Iron Ore,” characterized by its polyrhythmic beats alongside lengthy hypnotic bass lines found on its title track.
concurrently American bass virtuoso Christian McBride reunites his acclaimed big band for *Without further Ado Vol I* (Mack Avenue), featuring stellar guest performances from Sting & Andy Summers alongside Dianne reeves & Samara Joy.
Additionally on *She Looks Up at Trees* (JAM String Collective), an all-female trio comprising violinists/violists/cellists known as JAM String Collective, brings vintage violin swing into contemporary times with their intricately woven ensemble creativity complemented by succinct solo interludes; they are joined on this project by trombonist/composer Rosie Turton along with grime MC Kayes Mensah.