WomanChild

by Cecile McLorin Salvant

Overview

The U.S. debut album from jazz vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant, 2013's WomanChild is a bewitching, exuberant introduction to this immensely talented young singer. The winner of the 2010 Thelonious Monk jazz vocal competition, Salvant has the technical ability, lyrical sense, and undeniable charisma to sustain a career that could undoubtedly match those of her idols -- who include Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald. And while the distinctive influence of all three of these singers is evident here, with WomanChild Salvant reveals herself to be a genuinely original vocalist with a distinctive timbre, a singer steeped in tradition but with a style and phrasing all her own. And it's not just older artists whom she brings to mind; her reworking of "There's a Lull in My Life" evokes the sultry R&B influence of Sade. All of this merely speaks to Salvant's broad musical appeal and ability to integrate influences into her own sound. And it doesn't hurt that she's backed here by an all-star rhythm section of Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra regulars, including pianist Aaron Diehl, bassist Rodney Whitaker, guitarist James Chirillo, and drummer Herlin Riley. Primarily here, Salvant delves into a superb selection of lesser-known standards and original compositions, putting her stamp on such songs as "Nobody," "You Bring Out the Savage in Me," and "Jitterbug Waltz." Salvant even taps into her French heritage on her original composition "Le Front Cache sur Tes Genoux," which features lyrics culled from Ida Faubert's poem "Rondel." However, it is the title track, also an original song, that showcases Salvant the best. A bluesy, roiling torch song, "WomanChild" is Salvant's declaration of womanly independence in the face of self-doubt. She sings, "WomanChild falters/Clumsy on her feet/Wonderin' where she'll go/When her time has come/Good she'll never know/Until she comes undone." With WomanChild, Salvant's time has definitely come and despite whatever fears she may have, it's clear she has the talent to go very far indeed. ~ Matt Collar

Product Details

Release Date:	10/29/2013
Label:	Mack Avenue
UPC:	0673203107212
Rank:	62025

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Cecile McLorin Salvant   Primary Artist,Piano,Vocals
James Chirillo   Banjo,Guitar
Rodney Whitaker   Double Bass
Herlin Riley   Drums
Aaron Diehl   Piano

Technical Credits

Traditional   Composer
J. Russel Robinson   Composer
Fats Waller   Composer
Charles Randolph Grean   Composer
Lorenz Hart   Composer
Sam Coslow   Composer
Mark Wilder   Mastering
Will Wakefield   Production Manager
Al Pryor   Producer
Damon Whittemore   Engineer,Mixing Assistant
Todd Whitelock   Mixing,Engineer
Harry Woods   Composer
Ted Gioia   Liner Notes
Bert Williams   Composer
Billy Moll   Composer
Clarence Williams   Composer
Mack Gordon   Composer
Richard Rodgers   Composer
Alex Rogers   Composer
Harry Revel   Composer
Maxine Manners   Composer
Raj Naik   Design,Art Direction
Charles Green   Composer
Randall Kennedy   Creative Director
Maria Ehrenreich   Producer
Aaron Diehl   Arranger,Composer
John Abbott   Photography
Timothy Marchiafava   Assistant Engineer
Gretchen Valade   Executive Producer
Cecile McLorin Salvant   Composer,Illustrations
Aida Ndiaye   Make-Up
Frederic Nardin   Arranger
Gina Fabiano   Production Manager
Ida Faubert   Composer,Lyricist
Khiaecia Key   Stylist
Joseph Robinson   Composer
Thomas Walle   Composer