Homefree

Sometimes its difficult to give a proper review to music from an artists that you know so little about. Quick digging reveals that Nnenna Freelon has been nominated for a Grammy 5 times but has never won. She had a role in the Mel Gibson film What Women Want as a Jazz Singer singing If I Had You. She covered Frank Sinatra’s song Fly Me To The Moon for the film The Visitor. That’s all fine and well but even if you’ve never seen or heard Freelon all you need to do is listen to this album and awards, nominations, film credits…none of it will sway you like hearing Freelon’s voice for the first time, and I should know as this was also my first time hearing her sing.

What makes the Homefree such a great album is that Freelon has a command over her voice that is focused and simply saturated with style. There are some artists, for instance Jamie Cullum who can out a great album but when he sings its parroting mostly, for Freelon the richness of her voice is all natural. Mind you she has been performing professionally since 1992 and has toured with acts such as Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, and Diana Krall just to name a few. What makes the album perfect is Freelon’s backing band Beverly Botsford, John Brown, and Scoot Sawyer. Like I said its one thing to get a decent even sometimes mediocre interpretation of jazz songs and you just kind of shrug and tell yourself its alright but sooner or later that particular album is lost in your collection without being missed. Homefree is an album that works so well there isn’t a throw away to be found. Reinterpretations are solid, originals are smooth and drawing, and Freelon an absolute joy to just sit back and relax to or light some candles and turn out the lights to and dance with a loved one with. Sensual, complex, and accessible. Definitely a must have for any Jazz enthusiast. Enjoy.