| Jazz |
There are so many captivating artists in the world of jazz that, at times, one might wish to become a living jazz encyclopedia, just to grasp all these remarkable references. Among them, Caili O’Doherty stands out—not only as an enthralling pianist and composer but also as an educator committed to highlighting the contributions of women in jazz. She has already been honored with an ASCAP Award for her performances and compositions, and her debut album, Padme, dates back to 2015.
It is only natural, then, that she should take on the works of Lil Hardin Armstrong with intelligence and sensitivity. What immediately drew me to this album was the juxtaposition of one of the finest jazz vocalists of our time, Michael Mayo, whose artistry has already graced two albums under the esteemed Mack Avenue label. His first, the excellent Bones (2021), was met with critical acclaim—you can read my review here—while his second, Fly (2024), proves equally exhilarating—reviewed here. I found myself wondering what such a contemporary and urban artist could bring to an album that revisits jazz history.
From the very first track, Let’s Call Love, the exceptional Michael Mayo makes his entrance. One settles in comfortably, smiling at this inspired proposition—one that not only honors the legacy of Lil Hardin Armstrong but also showcases the immense talent of Caili O’Doherty. Beyond her profound understanding of Armstrong’s work, she accomplishes the rare feat of elevating it, breathing new life into these timeless compositions. Everything here is done in service of artistic beauty.
What is perhaps most striking is the seamless interplay between two vocalists who, at first glance, seem worlds apart. While Michael Mayo brings his bold, contemporary phrasing, Tahira Clayton, with her more traditional approach, blends effortlessly into the album’s aesthetic. Rather than clashing, their distinct styles complement each other, proving that great art transcends categories. And what a brilliant idea it was to bring back the music of Lil Hardin Armstrong—a body of work that, if anything, resonates even more powerfully today, reinforcing its historical significance.
Lil Hardin Armstrong’s story is that of an unsung heroine in jazz history. While she is often remembered as Louis Armstrong’s second wife—the one credited with propelling him toward greatness—few truly grasp the breadth of her influence. What began as a passing mention in a textbook at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College soon turned into a passionate quest for O’Doherty. Through meticulous research and deep immersion in Hardin’s music, she uncovered a striking truth: not only did Lil Hardin Armstrong lay the groundwork for her husband’s success, but she also composed pieces for legends like Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin.
With Bluer Than Blue, O’Doherty returns to the roots, reimagining the works of Lil Hardin Armstrong with remarkable depth and fresh energy. Like so many great discoveries, this project was born from a simple question: why do we take certain historical narratives for granted? In a course titled The Music of Louis Armstrong, taught by Ricky Riccardi—Director of Research Collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum—O’Doherty was struck by a glaring omission.
While Hardin was universally acknowledged as a pivotal force in Armstrong’s rise to fame, jazz historians had largely relegated her contributions to the background. Some, like Gary Giddins, even went so far as to suggest that Hardin’s name appeared on numerous compositions only because Louis had “allowed” her to claim authorship. Such baseless assertions did not sit well with O’Doherty, who resolved to uncover the truth for herself.
With her delicate yet deliberate touch on the piano—reminiscent, at times, of Erik Satie—O’Doherty demonstrates that her approach goes far beyond merely exhuming archival treasures. There is an unmistakable magic here, a deep reverence for the art form, a sincerity of purpose that is anything but contrarian. To bring this ambitious project to life, she has surrounded herself with a dedicated ensemble—not just musicians capable of interpreting her arrangements with passion, but artists fully immersed in the spirit and legacy of Lil Hardin Armstrong. The album’s core trio consists of O’Doherty on piano, Tamir Shmerling on bass, and Cory Cox on drums, with additional contributions from the illustrious Nicole Glover on tenor saxophone, as well as vocal performances by Tahira Clayton and Michael Mayo.
This album is, without a doubt, one for the ages—an essential addition to any jazz lover’s collection.
Thank you for watching the three-part documentary on this album, a fascinating deep dive that will enrich your understanding of its historical and artistic significance.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, February 18th 2025
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