Lenora Zenzalai Helm: Precipice

With a unique style and the gift of creativity, Lenora Zenzalai Helm expands the boundary of jazz vocalists with her new recording entitled Precipice. Accompanied by an extremely adept rhythm section consisting of emerging jazz lions Nasheet Waits on drums, Taurus Mateen on bass, and the ultra-talented pianist Stanley Cowell; Helm offers a view into her rich repertoire. A multifaceted artist, LZH is a composer, teacher, and also served as the U.S. Jazz Ambassador in 1998. But at the heart of the matter; she is a talented vocalist. Her previous recording Spirit Child received good reviews with anticipation of further works. Precipice would suggest the next chapter in Helm’s evolving process.

A total appreciation of the jazz vocal idiom can prove to be a tricky endeavor in terms of finding vocalists who walk the fine line of expressing their own voice, while also carrying the canonized torch of greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Holiday. Whether driven by nostalgia, technique, or artistic vision; jazz vocalists face the challenge of self-identification, just as any other musician in the genre.

Helm definitely has her own voice and Precipice is a fine highlight for observation of her unique interpretations. The musical “modus operandi’ in Precipice is swing; and the band definitely delivers the goods. With the “dynamic duo” of rhythm: Waits and Mateen, who are both protégés of Greg Osby and Jason Moran, the music is as tight as it is fluid. Stanley Cowell, who recently collaborated with Jane Bunnell and Dewy Redman on the stellar recording Spirituals & Dedications is an excellent counterpart for Helm’s creativity and voice. Duane Eubanks offers his skill on two of the selections, with strong trumpet work. Whether covering the timeless masterpiece “Cheek to Cheek” by Irvin Berlin, or showcasing her skills on the modernistic title composition “Precipice”; Helm brings a freshness to the recording in terms of harmony, improvisation, tone, and delivery. Helm shows her deep range on the complex selection ‘Autumns’ and her astral reading of Duke Ellington’s “T.G..T.T.” This is not your standard pop-diva doing the jazz thing. This is a true reflection of a modern jazz vocalist.

For artist information and samples:

LZH Website Press kit and samples