Claire Martin - Almost In Your Arms

[mjzee]

Release date March 7:

Claire Martin's Almost In Your Arms, released on vinyl, CD, and digital formats, solidifies her status as one of today's finest jazz vocalists. Known for her boundless creativity, Claire returns to collaborate with her Swedish trio--pianist Martin Sjöstedt, bassist Niklas Fernqvist, and drummer Daniel Fredriksson--alongside an all-star roster of guest musicians, including Karl-Martin Almqvist (saxophone), Joe Locke (vibes), Mark Jaimes (guitar), Nikki Iles (accordion), Charlie Wood (vocals), and producer James McMillan (trumpet, flugelhorn, keyboards).

The album features a carefully curated selection of tracks that reflect Claire's deep connection to jazz and her exploration of various sub-genres of popular music. Opening with the vibrant classic "I Feel a Song Coming On," the album spans a wide range of material, from the wistful title track "Almost In Your Arms" to poignant originals like "Apparently, I'm Fine." Highlights include her duet with Charlie Wood on Tom Waits' "This One's From the Heart" and her interpretation of Rufus Wainwright's "The Art Teacher," both of which showcase her ability to re-imagine unique compositions with emotional depth and jazz sophistication.

Claire also ventures into lesser-known gems like Carole King's "Bitter With the Sweet" and modern classics such as Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello's "This House Is Empty Now." Each track is enriched by the intuitive interplay of her trio and the nuanced contributions of her guest musicians.

Produced by James McMillan, Almost In Your Arms seamlessly blends timeless jazz sensibilities with fresh arrangements and Claire's signature elegance. After nearly four decades in music, Claire Martin proves she is a masterful vocalist and storyteller, breathing new life into every song she touches. This album is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and anyone seeking compelling vocal artistry.