With It’s All About Love, celebrated jazz vocalist Donna Byrne returns triumphantly to Challenge Records, reaffirming her place among the great interpreters of song. This marks her ninth studio album, and it is a shining testament to nearly four decades of musical devotion. Across 16 carefully curated tracks, Byrne offers a deeply personal and emotionally rich journey, blending jazz standards, ballads, blues, bossa novas, and contemporary gems.
Recorded over two days in November 2023 during a string of New England concert dates, the album radiates the warmth and spontaneity of live performance. Byrne is supported by a trusted ensemble: pianist Tim Ray, bassist (and co-producer/arranger) Marshall Wood, drummer Les Harris Jr., with special guests Scott Hamilton on tenor saxophone and Gray Sargent on guitar. The synergy among the musicians—nurtured over decades of collaboration—imbues every track with a sense of intimacy and authenticity.
Highlights include the upbeat swing of “I’m Gonna Lock My Heart and Throw Away the Key,” the soulful honesty of “About Love,” and the wistful beauty of “Blackberry Winter.” Byrne’s take on “Because of You / Who Can I Turn To” serves as a heartfelt nod to Tony Bennett, while “My Buddy” is a moving tribute to Chris Ellis, the late founder of Challenge Records. Other standout performances include the sultry “Soul Eyes,” the playful “Do Wrong Shoes,” and a deeply felt rendition of “You Are My Sunshine.”
Engineered by Grammy-winner Katherine Miller, the album benefits from a lush yet transparent sound, allowing every nuance of Byrne’s vocal phrasing and the band’s interplay to shine through.
With It’s All About Love, Donna Byrne proves once again that her voice is not only seasoned but sublime—full of depth, character, and soul. It’s an album born of love, friendship, and the enduring spirit of jazz.
No comments:
Post a Comment