COMPOSERS: Cassandra Wilson
LABELS: Membran
ALBUM TITLE: Another Country
WORKS: Another country
PERFORMER: Casandra Wilson (vocals), Fabrizio Sotti (guitar), Julien Labro (accordion)
CATALOGUE NO: 233573
Although this 18th album from US jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson was begun in New Orleans, she temporarily upped sticks from the Crescent City with guitarist and collaborator Fabrizio Sotti to record in Florence. And the result is a thoroughly summer-drenched project that benefits from both worlds.
The Tuscan sun has clearly worked its magic, giving the whole thing a laid-back atmosphere – with soothing guitar, simmering accordian, and pattering percussion – creating the perfect backdrop for Wilson’s Deep-South honed tone. And while the stand-out track ‘No More Blues’ demonstrates Wilson’s ability to perfectly capture the blues elements of jazz, the two great versions (sultry and funky) of ‘O Sole Mio’ may not completely suppress a smiling urge for an ice cream. From the latin groove of ‘Almost Twelve’, to a children’s choir on the African-fused ‘Olomuroro’ – this excellent release radiates talent and warmth.
Neil McKim