The combination of the band, Burnham’s violin, and Wolper’s original vocalizations bring absolute joy to this reviewer’s ears.
Moonflower Music MM001
Andrea Wolper (Vocals), John Di Martino (Piano), John Di Martino (Piano), Ken Filiano (Bass), Michael Ta Thompson (Drums), Charlie Burnham (Violin), Jeff Lederer (Clarinet, Flute)
Andrea Wolper’s voice sounds so natural and reflects a joy for words and music. “Wanderlust” is Wolper’s fourth album as a leader and the first after a thirteen-year break. During that time away from recording, she performed on the New York Jazz scene as a vocalist in various significant clubs. One recent gig was opening night at the Vision Festival 2024. She is also an accomplished writer, publishing her journalism and poetry. She is a past President of International Women in Jazz.
The album was co-produced by Wolper and Jeff Lederer. Wolper also arranged the songs, sometimes in conjunction with various band members. Long-time bandmates John Di Martino, Ken Filiano, and Michael TA Thompson make up the rhythm section. An exceptional addition to several songs is violinist Charlie Burnham.
She wrote six songs, co-wrote one, and covered five by other artists, including Abbey Lincoln, Carole King, and Sting. Her choice of songs reflects the definition of wanderlust—an impulse of wandering, this time through music.
The opening song, “Light Out of Darkness,” starts with an excellent bass line introducing the band and Andrea’s lovely, sultry voice. This song recognizes that some men without hope or love cannot dream. She feels empathy for them; however, her soaring triumphant vocals assure the listener that her life is filled with love, hope, and dreams, and she lives in the lightness they bring. This is the first song of several that introduces Burnham’s tasteful violin solo over the song’s theme.
The song, “Sobe E Desce” (Portuguese for “up and down”), is an upbeat, uplifting, happy song with wordless vocals over a Baiao groove, a Northeastern Brazil music genre. The flute interplays with and mimics her voice as if conversing with her. It conjures up a walk or canoe ride through a jungle: a refreshing song and an exciting diversion from the various vocals in the rest of the album.
The song “The Music is the Magic” features Lederer on clarinet and Wolper’s intimate, sensitive vocal. Lederer plays clarinet this time, and his interplay with Wolper is again like a conversation. Her voice is teasing and playful, portraying someone dancing with reckless abandon as if no one is looking.
The song “Been to Canaan” is a version of a song originally written by Carole King. Again, Burnham adds his violin as Wolper translates the song to a jazz vocal to significant effect. Wolper sings that life is mundane except when you can escape and are free to do what you will. The flute embodies the freedom of such a place.
Wolper has a beautiful voice that she creatively uses in service to the song. Her lyrics are poignant and tell stories about overcoming interpersonal issues. The rest of the band, all New Yorkers, is a cohesive and talented group that has played with Wolper over the years. The combination of the band, Burnham’s violin, and Wolper’s original vocalizations bring absolute joy to this reviewer’s ears.
