Latvian-born vocalist, composer, and arranger Arta Jēkabsone channels her Baltic roots through a modern jazz and pop synergy on Dziesmu Kamoliņš, a memorable collection that reimagines traditional folk songs with striking originality and heartfelt intimacy. Now based in New York, Jēkabsone fuses centuries-old melodies with the improvisational spirit of contemporary jazz, crafting soundscapes that feels both timeless and boldly exploratory.
Translating to Garland of Songs, the release also features a variety of talented collaborators, including Grammy-winning pianist Leo Genovese (Esperanza Spalding), Keita Ogawa (Snarky Puppy), and ascending Gnawa musician Samir Langus, in addition to others.
The artist’s vibrant vocal emotion is on display right away with “Man dziesmiņu nepietrūka,” whose stirring vocal intro becomes gradually accompanied by bright piano tones and light percussive flourishes. Dreamier vocal inflections captivate around the one-minute mark, as reflective piano exudes a graceful flair into glistening effects and backing vocal harmonies. This standout opener impresses in its beautiful vocal work, and also its steadily evolving structure — showcasing Jēkabsone’s tendency for sating, melodic productions.
The album continues to impress from there, moving then into the dynamic “Caur sidraba birzi gāju.” Gorgeous layers of vocals mingle with a meditative-like trance as trickling effects and subdued guitar move into stylish piano, with a hint of bossa-nova. Another standout track comes in “Dieviņ, Tavu gaišumiņu!” — featuring lovely, heartfelt string adornments alongside memorable vocal and piano work. The result is a thorough chamber-pop success, marking one of many excellent tracks throughout the riveting Dziesmu Kamoliņš.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
