Beneath the Skin

Nnenna Freelon, who made her first recording as a leader back in 1992, had only recorded two CDs since 2012: Time Traveler from 2018-20 and a children's music record. Fortunately, Beneath The Skin was well worth waiting for.

Ms. Freelon is heard in top form throughout this set and is at her most expressive whether singing with joy or restrained grief. She wrote or co-composed all of the ten songs and really digs into the lyrics while displaying her very attractive voice. She is joined by pianist-keyboardist Alan Pasqua, guitarist Keith Ganz, bassist Jonathan Richards, drummer Steve Hass and (on three songs) trombonist Evan Robertson with cellist Shan Tucker guesting on two numbers.

There is plenty of variety throughout the set, ranging from the passionate "Black Iris" and "Widow Song," to the somber "Black Iris" and the infectious swing of "Here's Your Hat" and "Dark and Lovely." The latter casts Ms. Freelon as a 1920s type singer with Robertson's trombone being an effective foil.

Nnenna Freelon's lyrics are intelligent and personal, often covering universal topics. Her backup musicians are sympathetic and swing when the music calls for it, but the main focus is on the singer who is heard throughout at the peak of her powers, often making statements that are a bit haunting. Beneath The Skin, which is available from www.originarts.com, is one of her finest recordings.