Title - April
Artist - April Varner
For those unaware, just in time for the big bloom, award-winning jazz vocalist and composer April Varner has announced her intimate, imaginative debut album, April, due out June 28th, 2024 via Cellar Music.
A cleverly curated and totally cohesive opening statement, April offers a banquet of standards and rock-era classics — all with “April” in the title — bookended by two succulent originals: “April Blues” and “Who Let April Back Into My Dreams?”
April is produced by famed drummer-producer Ulysses Owens Jr., who was first introduced to the singer via Theo Bleckmann. “She’s one of the most dynamic and studious musicians I have encountered in many years,” Owens Jr. reflects. “I have worked with a lot of talented artists, but not many that possess the work ethic and ambition that April encompasses, coupled with her incredible talent. She can sing anything and can morph into whatever the style is.” Working together was a natural step, and the two went to work in April.
The result is a vibrant and cohesive album guided by self-reflection. “I wanted it to be like a letter to myself, and how far I’ve grown as an artist,” the singer says. “I want the world to see who April is and what that name invokes. It’s a reflection of both my personality and the many feelings associated with the season of Spring. My goal was to showcase different emotional layers that people could resonate with.”
1. April Blues
2. I’ll Remember April
3. Joy of April
4. April Come She Will
5. April Give Me One More Day
6. April Again
7. Sometimes It Snows In April
8. Dear April
9. April In Paris
10. Lost April
11. Who Let April Back Into My Dreams?
The brand new recording opens on the dulcet, upright bass-led April Blues and the gently fervent I’ll Remember April and then we get brought forth the scat-introduced, latterly a sweepingly gorgeous Pat Metheny ballad Joy of April, her veritably shimmering take on Simon and Art Garfunkel’s April Come She Will and the all-embracing April Give Me One More Day.
Along next is the playfully perky, Hammond-hued April Again and the beautifully-sculpted Prince and the Revolution classic ballad Sometimes It Snows In April, and they are in turn backed seamlessly by Frank Ocean’s languishing Dear April, the twinkling April In Paris, the album rounding out on the low slung Lost April, closing on the ambiant Who Let April Back Into My Dreams?
April features pianist Caelan Cardello (who also is the album arranger), guitarist Russell Malone, bassist Reuben Rogers, drummer Miguel Russell, trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III, and tenor and soprano saxophonist Dayna Stephens. When choosing the band, Varner wanted to include musicians who had inspired her.
Varner’s years-long history with Cardello and Russell particularly is displayed by their discernible interplay and tight musical connection. In selecting the guests, Owens Jr. played a significant role, in shaping the bandstand by suggesting players that would best complement the vocalist.
Musicians:
Vocals: April Varner
Piano: Caelan Cardello
Guitar: Russell Malone
Bass: Reuben Rogers
Drums: Miguel Russell
Trumpet/Vocals: Benny Benack III
Tenor/Soprano Saxophone: Dayna Stephens
Vocal Arranging & Production on Dear April: Theo Bleckmann
Official Purchase Link
www.aprilvarner.com