Carmen Lundy: Jazz and the New Songbook

Expression comes in many forms. Lundy's silky alto voice and crystal clear articulation allow her to send each message fluently. While most of the songs in her new songbook contain exotic elements of spiritual awakenings and reflections of the natural world, they all come from deep within her heart. Similarly, she's surrounded by artists who feel the same way. Bobby Watson, Mark Shim and Steve Turre, in particular, step forward with gut-wrenching solos that complement the singer's goals.

Afrasia, from which comes the name of the album's new label, begins with a soul-stirring conch shell blast. Turre goes on to develop a theme which quickly evolves into a mesmerizing rhythmic celebration. A chorus of background voices proceeds to set the stage for this lovely ballad as Lundy takes charge with an assertive message with universal appeal. Her song could be transplanted into any corner of the globe and it would find a comfortable familiarity. Furthermore, she works with a first-class ensemble of instrumentalists who balance the piece evenly with pages of heartfelt jazz.

Much of the performance, however, drives into R&B territory where Lundy wears her heart on her shirtsleeve and relationships of a personal nature take center stage. Lundy's Happy New Year gives us a new song for that annual celebration when voices join to say farewell to the old and to welcome in the new. She sings this warm ballad with a delicate air and a refreshingly positive attitude. Bobby Watson adds a soulful alto solo that speaks of the warm glow that we get when the clock strikes midnight on December 31 every year and we're holding onto someone special.

Three bonus tracks have been added to the album: classic Carmen Lundy love songs that start the fires burning all over the place. She delivers each convincingly with genuine compassion and starts a heat wave that's liable to last all year long.