Lilly Hertzman revisits eight of her previously unrecorded originals with a trio of stellar musicians to create an impressively immersive work
LHCD001 available on Bandcamp at https://lillyhertzman.bandcamp.com
Lilly Hertzman (vocals); Aaron Parks (piano); Thomas Morgan (double bass); Jongkuk Kim (drums)
Recorded in Rhinebeck, NY
On this her sixth studio album, Danish singer/songwriter Lilly Hertzman revisits eight of her previously unrecorded originals with a trio of stellar musicians to create an impressively immersive work.
Many of the songs date back to 2014 when Hertzman had been working with Aaron Parks in Denmark. The involvement of Parks as pianist and co-producer on this project was therefore not just highly appropriate, but was also inspired. Joining him are long-time playing partner Thomas Morgan on double bass and the creative Korean drummer Jongkuk Kim. Together they provide a highly fluid unit that shines brightly and is a perfect foil to Hertzman’s relaxed delivery.
That these songs have taken a while to reach the recording studio might suggest an eclectic mix of pieces drawn from a number of writing sessions, but not so. The album reads as a most cohesive project where the reworking process, with a consistent tonal palette and such high calibre artists, is suggestive of a complementary suite of songs that carries you away. Apparently, the album was recorded after minimal rehearsal time which undoubtedly contributed to the immediacy and spontaneity of the work.
Hertzman has a seductive, hypnotic voice that draws you in and provides a compelling focus throughout. Through her gaze you enter a world of spiritual mysticism that both reassures and brings a continuous sense of wonder. But it is all firmly rooted in the here and now, exploring themes such a humanity’s place in the Cosmos, of global community, connectivity with nature, and faith in love and hope. Don’t expect simple song structures; these are pieces with a poetic sense of motion and much going on beneath the bonnet. Do expect a strong sense of melody and finely wrought textures that reveal new depths with each listen.
And there is much to tune-in to here, collectively and individually. On the densely structured opener ‘Revelation’, Hertzman’s emotionally insistent vocal-line is painted bold by Parks’ surging explorations. On ‘Heartshaped’ listen out for Morgan’s low-end bass amid waves and washes of Hertzman’s calling vocals and Kim’s delicate drum work.
Hertzman’s plaintive calling seals the anthemic ‘Fire In The Sky’ before Parks’ solo reveals a new direction and Kim’s short but hypnotic drum solo concludes. Hertzman’s breathy vocals and Parks’ delicate piano on the quieter ‘In The Sound Of The Night’ bring poignancy, juxtaposed by the warm and highly melodic ‘Big Heart’, which follows.
On the complex closing track ‘Flowers Will Grow Again’, the subtle structuring and collective textures leave a lasting impression, including Morgan’s bass, which bubbles beneath then rises above the surface.
This album is a high quality offering with much to ponder and enjoy from all involved.
