Beneath the Skin

The powerful vocalist Nnenna Freelon creates her most personal work to date, where Alan Pasqua, Keith Ganz, Jonathan Richards, Steve Hass, Evan Roberson and Shana Tucker accompany her across the 10 heartfelt tracks.

The intimate "Journey Of The Heart" opens the listen with Pasqua's soft keys and Hass' well timed drums that suit the expressive singing, and "Dark And Lovely" follows with a playful nature that allows for Freelon's voice to soar amid Roberson's rich trombone.

In the middle, Tucker's graceful cello suits the reflective mood of "Widow Song", while "Here's Your Hat" showcases Ganz's meticulous guitar playing and a frisky demeanor that's rhythmic and melodic.

Close to the end, the traditional "Oh! Susanna" gets a fresh coat of paint thanks to Freelon's lovely pipes and the dreamy keys, and "Last Dream Home" exits with a poetic appeal of gentle and touching songwriting.

Freelon has picked up 7 Grammy Nominations since her debut in 1992, and all these years later her vision still resonates with timeless jazz sensibilities, subdued wisdom and raw emotion.