Lo Steele – Only a Drop
This showcase focuses primarily on blues with a soulful projection, gospel & lyrical rhythm. Lo Steele understands the importance of her music & also the words – something that isn’t always considered key. Lyrics are where the story lies, the effervescence, the veneer to the grain of musical mahogany that embodies the message. The music carries it along; the musicianship translates the message & Ms. Steele’s voice is its intimacy. It all comes together to form a composition, a chapter, & the song’s bite radius.
Many things taste better with Only a Drop (Drops March 13/Little Village/33:19). This album has 9 pinches of spice produced by Charlie Hunter (hybrid guitar) & co-produced with Marcus Finnie (drums). The tunes were captured at studios in Greensboro, NC.
There aren’t many true jazz vocalists who have captured the spirit of the genre. They’re good singers, yes, & interpreters. But jazz has been around for so long that, in some realms, it’s been diluted, pasteurized, & homogenized. There are a few good cabaret & lounge singers, but several cross-breed jazz with pop to appeal to a wider audience. There are precious few Annie Ross today (Lambert, Hendricks & Ross), Peggy Lee (“Why Don’t You Do Right” with Benny Goodman, 1943), Ella Fitzgerald & Anita O’Day.
There are a few outstanding modern jazz vocalists – Diana Krall, Madeleine Peyroux, & Cassandra Wilson. But what we’ve got here is the impressive Portland, OR, singer-songwriter Lo Steele. A deep-voiced, sultry, warm-toned singer in the tradition of Cassandra Wilson. Each of her pieces is well arranged, sung with clarity & old-fashioned class.
“Greenz” sets the temperature, “Stockholm” pushes forward & “Made New” is delicious. It may have something to do with the production & arrangements, but Lo has this vivid intonation, good phrasing & range. She knows exactly what lyric requires emphasis & what doesn’t. A song like “Seven Wonders” is layered with orchestration as Ray Ellis decorated Billie Holiday’s “The End of a Love Affair.” Lo has a cushion to her voice that’s appealing.
She funks it up on “Step Out On Faith,” which is performed well, but is out of place here. Funk is a little more mainstream/commercial in its hybrid, while jazz is more of an artistic expression. As the song proceeds, it slides into a more gospel groove. Nice contrast between genres. So, I can’t slight it since the performance is wonderful & it’s recorded with care. It also proves Ms. Steele’s distinctiveness & diversity. A strong recommendation beyond mere singing.
Jazz lovers who respect jazz vocalizing will embrace this chanteuse. This is Newport Jazz Festival quality. Even Lo’s balladry captures the jazz alchemy, & she holds it tight.
Highlights – “Greenz,” “Stockholm,” “Made New,” “Seven Wonders,” “Step Out On Faith,” & “Garden Floor.”
Musicians – Elleon Dobias (violin), LaRhonda & Sarah Steele (bgv).
Cover photography courtesy of Isabel Gonzalez. Portrait image courtesy of Lo Steele.
CD @ Bandcamp + Apple & https://www.charliehunter.com/lo-steele