Heather Newman Rise From the Flames

Heather Newman
Rise From the Flames
VizzTone

"Rise From the Flames" is the second album from bassist-vocalist Heather Newman. About her earlier album, "Burn Me Alive," I concluded, "With the strong, empathic support by her band throughout, Heather Newman impresses with her wholehearted, passionate vocals on a most noteworthy recording debut." Here she is with her Kansas City band of Ryan Matthew (vocals/keys/percussion), Keith Ladd (lead guitar), and Adam Watson (drums), with guest appearances by Michael Lefever (saxophone) and Teddy Krulewich (trumpet). She wrote all 13 songs inspired by the end of a relationship and her dealing with consequences of this.

Since I first heard Heather on a Nick Schnebelen Band recording. I found her singing was striking as I praised her phrasing and pitch as spot on. Also, I found her delivery and her vocal dynamics impressive, especially with the judicious use of a lioness growl. There is nothing on this recording that would cause me to change that. She handles the ups and downs of relationships on these well-crafted songs. She might question her former lover's choice of a new lover on "She Sure Looks a Lot Like Me," while on the title track where she talks about coping and that she will rise from the flames of a broken relationship. Ladd's guitar impresses on the title track, "Water and Wine," "Coming Home," and other selections. "Lonely on Beale" has a funky groove as she sings about being left lonely with the horns honking in the accompaniment, while she pours everything into "His Soul," against the insistent accompaniment and Matthew's deft electric piano solo. Understated accompaniment with acoustic guitar enhances Newman's wistful singing on "Take It Slow." In contrast, "Coming Home" has a funkier feel and punchy horns.

Her supporting band impresses throughout these well-paced performances that never come off as frenzied or rushed. The band provides supple backing, and the focused solos and the production allows the listeners to savor her soulful, nuanced vocals and the splendid support provided her." "Rise From the Flames" is another marvelous Heather Newman recording.

I received my review copy from VizzTone.  This review appeared in the September-October 2019 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 386), although I made minor stylistic changes. Here is Heather Newman at a recent performance.