| Jazz |
Here is a truly impressive vocal album. Christie Dashiell, already crowned five times by DownBeat magazine, for those who do not yet know her, this is undoubtedly the best way to be convinced of the many qualities of this artist, who besides her extraordinary vocal performances is also a wonderful interpreter. Daughter of jazz bassist Caroll Dashiell Jr., born in Washington DC and raised in North Carolina, Dashiell has been singing for as long as she can remember and brings a deeply rooted musical heritage to her performances. Over the years, Dashiell has become one of the most sought-after artists on the international jazz scene today. She has appeared with master drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, the collective Black Lives, saxophonists Lakecia Benjamin and Marcus Strickland, producer Adam Blackstone, and many other leading performers.
Once you realize all the jazz personalities with whom Christie has shared the stage and understand their high standards, you cannot be surprised by such an album. This album offers a prominent place to the particularly melodious improvisation of this artist and an inimitable style that she imposes as an elegant calling card. However, due to its structure, this album is aimed at connoisseurs of jazz codes, as Christie Dashiell’s style is radical and uncompromising, which perfectly suits the theme of “Journey In Black.” Indeed, “Journey in Black” strongly emphasizes Dashiell’s character and enhances her reputation. Already the recipient of a rare 5-star review from DownBeat Magazine, the album features seven original compositions and two arrangements that explore themes of freedom, legacy, grief, and joy. Featuring both pure jazz and soul-influenced songs, the album gives an honest depiction of Dashiell’s life and musical influences.
At the editorial office, we receive many more albums than we can review, all of them jazz albums, so our ears are accustomed to hearing beautiful things, and sometimes, as here, we encounter an exceptional work, served by equally extraordinary musicians: Romeir Mendez, Allyn Johnson, Carroll “CV” Dashiell III, organist Shedrick Mitchell, and trumpeter Marquis Hill making an appearance in “The Things You Do.” They highlight all the qualities that Dashiell’s music embraces, with its awareness of groove, swing, church, and soul influences and its pervasive spirituality.
“Journey In Black” is probably one of the most beautiful vocalist albums I have heard in recent years, mixing styles, inspired by her life and culture, evidently very broad, which has given birth to this incredible artist, who offers here an album that can already be considered a “Classic.”
Given the emotion this album has created in the editorial office, needless to say, it has entered our pile of “Essentials.”
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, May 22nd 2024
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