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Yesterdays
Bubble Bath
Originally from Alabama, singer Meghan Stewart has been in New Orleans since 2011. Initially, she studied opera and choral education. Shortly before graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Stewart started singing with a friend's jazz band. Soon after that, she relocated to New Orleans, where she continued her musical education and developed her performing career. "Yesterdays" is her debut album and has he backed by Steve Lands on trumpet, Shea Pierre on keyboards, John Maestas on guitar, Scott Johnson on tenor saxophone, Jeronne Ansari on alto sax, Trey Boudreaux on bass, and Chris Guccione on drums. Maestas produced this album.
Stewart enchants as a singer with her soft, clean delivery and articulation of the lyrics, and agile phrasing. She benefits from the varying combinations of musicians heard over the nine songs. A full ensemble is heard on the opening "All of Me." This swinging performance also has a burly tenor sax solo. A delightfully understated vocal approach is striking on the ballad "Syndrome," backed by just a trio. Stewart projects innocence on "Yesterdays," with Maestas' sterling guitar fills, Boudreaux's propulsive bass, Lands' blistering trumpet solo, and Guccione's drum solo. "On the Street Where You Live," is another first-rate swinging vocal where her diction, phrasing and vocal dynamics shine along with Ansari's alto sax solo. With Boudreaux's bowed bass and Pierre's light chording, she captivates with her doleful vocal on "You Go To My Head." This song is one of this CD's highlights, along with a playful interpretation of "Just Squeeze Me," backed solely by Boudreaux's bass, and the delightful vocal rendition of "Poinciana" that is rooted on the famous Ahmad Jamal recording.
Meghan Stewart alluring vocals, with the superb backing she receives, results in this noteworthy debut recording.
I received a download to review from a publicist. Here is a recent performance by Meghan Stewart at New Orleans radio station, WWOZ.
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