Heidi Martin: Attunement

Born from two years of research at Rutgers University, Attunement finds singer-songwriter Heidi Martin tracing the life, work and journals of jazz artist and civil rights activist Abbey Lincoln. The result is anything but a conventional tribute; it is more a channelling of Lincoln's spirit, one that has pushed Martin to some of the most ambitious compositional work of her career.

Martin is a Washington, D.C.-based jazz vocalist, often blending soul and '60s folk influences into her singing style and socially conscious lyrics. As the songs for the album started to form, she combined with bassist Michael Bowie and pianist Marc Cary, who had both played with Lincoln for many years. With Bowie as musical director, they form a core trio with drummer Eric Kennedy. There are also features for tenor saxophonist Elijah Easton and guitarist Ethan Bailey-Gould.

Those who enjoy great jazz vocals know they are in for a treat from the first line of the opening track, "There Is A Certain Point." Her commanding voice has an expressive, lived-in tone, with a great range and soulful phrasing that twists in unusual directions. She delivers an impassioned vocal on "Render Me Empty," navigating between anger and regret, effortlessly stretching words and phrases before Easton takes over on saxophone.

One of the artists that have helped shape Martin's approach is Joni Mitchell. This influence comes sharply into focus on "Congresswoman Maxine Waters," with Martin's vocal swoops and Cary's piano carrying a similar feel to Mitchell's Court And Spark (Asylum Records, 1974) period.

There is a sharpness to Martin's lyrics; they are distinctive, often punchy and alive to angles that other writers might miss, as "How Convinced I Was" makes clear. She is equally impressive in what she chooses not to do, stepping back without a need to hold the spotlight, letting her band take flight. They need no second invitation, as the fiery solos on "Take Your Time" together with their highly impressive performances throughout the album show.

Martin adopts a half-spoken, intimate delivery on "I Am His Nature"; her clever vocal twists cut through the sultry mood and bluesy groove as Bailey-Gould's guitar weaves around her. In contrast, Martin's vocals soar in "Every Thought in My Heart." The album is rounded off by the light and airy "Being Lifted."

Lincoln forged her path with a distinctive voice and used her talents as a force for change in the Civil Rights Movement of her generation. Martin echoes the same uncompromising spirit, alongside other musical touchstones, to produce an album that refuses to play it safe. It casts a forceful spell as heartfelt lyrics and excellent vocals combine with high-octane interplay and soulful moods.