Dave Gelly 

Emilia Mårtensson: Ana review – ‘fresh and immediate’

The Swedish singer is more than just an ethereal voice, writes Dave Gelly, as this outstanding album reveals
  
  


Critics have described Emilia Mårtensson's voice as ethereal, delicate and having "pearly innocence", all of which is true. But she has other qualities which save her from sounding bland or passive. She has a very sharp sense of time and the alertness to her fellow musicians that distinguishes jazz singers from the rest. Whether it's a Swedish folk song, one of her own pieces or a tune by jazz saxophonist Joe Henderson, this is what makes each of these 10 numbers fresh and immediate. Pianist Barry Green and bassist Sam Lasserson are outstanding too.

 

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