Realms was launched by Rachel Sutton at the Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho on the 10th of March but will not be released by the 33 Records label until March 27th. Rachel’s previous album release, A Million Conversations (2020), was critically well received. So what does she have to say about Realms?
This album has been a true labour of love for me in countless ways. Realms is a world made up of many parts, drawing on stories from different moments in my life, and as a result, each piece is entirely its own. Together they form a landscape that is cross-genre by nature – an eclectic blend of emotions, sounds and sensations. When I write, I don’t confine myself to a genre, I like to let what feels good guide me. Every song on this album tells its own story. Drawing on my theatrical background, I’ve woven in moments of drama and humour, and I hope the result is something deeply personal yet universally resonant – something listeners can find themselves reflected in.
Summer Song opens with birdsong, the sparse piano of Roland Perrin and the clear vocals of Rachel Sutton. Everything is very placed, very clear and with wonderful diction. Percussionist Paul Robinson then adds his voice and the song lifts and fills out. The vocal range and tone is wonderful throughout, as is the accompanying music: a delightful introduction to the album.
There’s A Feeling catches the ear from the start with its uplifting gospel like melody and when the choir joins in… well it would be churlish indeed not respond with joy, lightness and supporting hand claps. The Jester And The Jewel is a very different sound: lyrically deeper and moving in what the song tells us about Rachel’s(?) past. Sandy Buglass plays an excellent guitar solo backed by a quality rhythm section. This is a very strong vocal performance that deserves repeat playing.
Memory is the central theme to Castles In The Sky. Perrin’s piano lines are sublime; the vocals exceptional; and the lyrics capture wonderfully the reminiscences of someone looking back with immense fondness to a childhood that is now out of reach but not forgotten. Time kicks in with the horn section as the Latin feel of this number becomes apparent. There is a very good trumpet solo from Ryan Quigley before the tune moves through to its final section. This is a fun, up-beat, toe-tapping number where the whole band pulls together to create a full, vibrant sound.
Daytrip has a nice, easy going cadence about it, a nostalgic feel that would not be out of place in a 1930’s club setting. The percussive piano section is backed by great bass playing from Michael Curtis Ruiz. All-in-all a, stylistically, pleasant travel back in time with stunning vocals to match.
Billy Barnes composed Something Cool and Rachel Sutton delivers it with inestimable style, finesse and a touch of insouciance. All You Can Eat is a brisk paced, fun-filled jazz number with great timing and wonderful interplay between Rachel Sutton and drummer Paul Robinson – and just enjoy Rachel going up through the vocal range as the song comes to an end.
I’d Really Love It is another song about memories and cast off dreams. Rachel uses her vocal skills to very good effect on this number and Roland Perrin is very much her equal in his delivery of this wistful tune reflecting on what might be. Farley’s Song follows on nicely from track nine focusing, as it does, on being there, in the future, for her daughter (this is apparent from the art work on the inside cover of the CD). This is a beautiful, emotive, heartfelt song with an incredibly strong finish and some listeners may be best prepared with a box of tissues.
Realms is a very strong album musically, lyrically and vocally. Rachel Sutton knows how to put a song across and her band know how to support her. This is not an out and out jazz album and I believe that is all the better for not being so. There are a range of emotions and musical styles on show here delivered with confidence, style and great diction. This album will sit on my reviewed playlist long after this post has been made live because the more I listen the more I enjoy!
Tracklist: 01 – Summer Song; 02 – There’s A Feeling; 03 – The Jester And The Jewel; 04 – Castles In The Sky; 05 – Time; 06 – Daytrip; 07 – Something Cool; 08 All You Can Eat; 09 – I’d Really Love It; 10 – Farley’s Song.
All tracks written by Rachel Sutton except Something Cool by Billy Barnes and Daytrip by Rachel Sutton & Roland Perrin.
Choir arrangements by Ebenezer Oke and Rachel Sutton.
Musicians: Rachel Sutton (vocals), Roland Perrin (piano), Michael Curtis Ruiz (bass), Paul Robinson (drums & percussion), Sandy Buglass (guitar – track 3), Paul Booth, Ryan Quigley & Trevor Mires (horn section – track 5) Ebenezer Oke (guitar – track 5. Choir leader – track 2), Adebisi Grace Ajiboye, Joy Ibisa Odogo, Tunde Omomeji, Esther Oloyede, Rachel Sutton (choir – track 2)
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