For those unaware, while many artists Domi Edson’s age feel compelled to write music over saturated with complex harmonies and dense arrangements, her brand new album Stories from Solitude proves that Domi developed the maturity and bravery to let this music, characterized by catchy melodies, infectious swing, and joyful ensemble interplay, be enough - and the results speak for themselves.

The record’s title speaks to the inspiration Domi finds from being alone with her thoughts in picturesque natural places - if you know anything about her, you know that she is happiest sailing down a snowy mountain range on a pair of skis.

On this occasion, however, she is joined by two fine musical companions in pianist Spencer Zweifel and drummer Bobby Wiens. Zweifel’s fluid technique and dynamic touch breathes life into Edson’s melodies, and his solos always enhance the mood of the piece.

Wiens clearly (and rightly) prioritizes swinging above all else to great result, and his tasteful accompaniment pushes Edson and Zweifel to greater heights.

As for the bassist, Edson commands a massive tone and lives in the pocket. Her solos are sensible, laid-back, and always tinged with the blues.

While the trio’s performances of songbook tunes on this date all serve the compositions well, this record shines in large part because of Edson’s development as a composer. She has learned how to take stories and experiences from her life and converts them into songs, weaving tales for her listeners much like she would in conversation.

1. Shiny Stockings (4:30)
2. Domi’s New Blues (6:16)
3. In Waltzed Minnie (6:02)
4. Panoramic (5:56)
5. Killarney Glen (6:41)
6. You and the Night and the Music (4:09)
7. Lush Life (7:45)
8. Crocos (5:42)
9. When You’re Smiling (6:09)
10. For Col Tom Blue (5:02)
11. Up Jumped Spring (5:04)

This wonderfully impassioned and wholly masterful new album opens on the fervently flirtatious Shiny Stockings and the low slung, at first, and then creatively layered thereafter, Domi’s New Blues and then backs those up neatly with my own personal favorite, the elegantly constructed dance floor swirl of In Waltzed Minnie, the simply heavenly Panoramic and the breezy, enjoyably engaging rhythms within Killarney Glen

Next up is the furtively scampering energies within You and the Night and the Music and the overall aching yearn found within Lush Life, and they are in turn backed smartly by the free flowing melodies of Crocos, a beautifully recrafted When You’re Smiling (written by Larry Shay, Mark Fisher and Joe Goodwin in 1928), the album rounding out on the ornately languishing For Col Tom Blue, coming to a close on the aptly-named, and totally abounding Up Jumped Spring.

As for her essence, Domi explains: “I gain inspiration from being alone in nature (usually skiing) and most of the songs have stories behind them that are something very specific.”

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