Gifted contemporary jazz singer/songwriter Lindsey Webster returns with a stellar sophomore album for Shanachie Records, ‘Love Inside.’

“Classy, consistent, and exceptional”. Those were the three words I used to characterize contemporary jazz singer/songwriter Lindsey Webster, upon reviewing her 2016 album, Back to Your Heart.  That review, penned in 2016, concluded with the statement, “Back to Your Heart is a winner.” Sigh, now, less than two years later, Webster returns with another compelling album, Love Inside. The aforementioned trio of adjectives ring true in characterizing an artist who gets better with time.  The 12 songs appearing on Love Inside were co-written by Webster and her husband, pianist Keith Slattery.  As the title suggests, love is a central, unifying theme.

“Love Inside”

Title track “Love Inside” commences the album epically.  Lindsey Webster has plenty to say, taking her time on this beastly juggernaut, which runs past seven-minutes in duration.  What’s notable about this standout is the versatility that she shows as a vocalist.  While she delivers a cool and poised performance, there’s still ample energy – fire behind those easy-going pipes.  As a listener, this is any vocal-jazz lover’s dream, given the smoothness of the arrangement, harmonized backing vocals, and eventually a modulation.

Following up the brilliance of “Love Inside” is no easy task. Nonetheless, Webster keeps inner love alive and well on “A Love Before.” On a scale from one to ten, the sultriness is an eleven, minimally.  While the grammar may be bad on “Bad Grammar (Me & You),” the music ain’t (see what happened there). Silky smooth vocals coupled with a delicate, yet rhythmic production yields musical excellence. Subtlety goes a long way.

“Free to Be Me”

Down the track listing, Webster shows more oomph on the stellar “Free to Be Me,” featuring Norman Brown. No, she doesn’t begin with belting it out – she builds up to it.  Initially, she keeps it cool, but eventually, she’s chocked-full of feistiness and attitude, exhibiting some impressive bite and grit.  Besides her superb lead vocals, the layered backing vocals are perfect fuel for the fire, highlighting ‘the freedom.’  Like the aforementioned “Love Inside,” a modulation takes “Free to Be Me” to the next level.

“Dream”

If a more aggressive Lindsey shows up at the end of “Free to Be Me,” she showcases the smoothest version of herself on “Dream.” Listening to this ballad, vocally, it sounds as if she’s floating on the clouds up in the skies.  In other words, the results are radiant – stunning to the nth degree.  While she’s ‘killer’ in any register, it is her upper register that’s particularly impressive here.  Those upper tones sound effortless.  The dream doesn’t end on “Don’t Give Up on Me,” a fine, soulful, mid-tempo number. Going all ultra-music nerd, the combination of bass and left-hand on the verses is stellar.  Yeah, it’s a commonplace arranging combination in jazz, but it never grows old.

“One Last Time” keeps things sultry – #winning.  Like “Dream,” when Webster ascends into her upper register, the goosebumps begin to appear.  The effect is even punchier when she accents them.  “Even If He Lied” is ‘short but sweet’ – emphasis on sweet.  Webster makes up for the brevity on six-minute standout “Walk Away.” Lush is a great way to describe the record, particularly when the smooth background vocals come into play on the chorus, the song’s crowning achievement.

“It’s Not You, It’s Me” 

“It’s Not You, It’s Me” brings trumpeter Rick Braun into the fold.  Braun, like Webster, plays it cool, calm, and collected.  Once again, the restraint – the subtlety – pays off.  Throughout each and every opportunity, Webster shines, including the relaxed, penultimate record, “Opportunity 2.0.” The richness of her instrument impresses, while maintain incredible vocal flexibility – suppleness if you will. “By My Side” concludes Love Inside in lively fashion, while maintaining the overall character of the album. Solid closer by all means.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Love Inside is another stellar project from the ever “classy, consistent, and exceptional” Lindsey Webster.  The vocals are the crowning achievement, but the arrangements (production), songwriting, and musical contributions from her band and guest musicians are magnificent as well.  Get ready to fall in love with Lindsey Webster, if you haven’t done so already.

Gems: “Love Inside,” “Free to Be Me,” “Dream,” “Don’t Give Up on Me” & “Walk Away”

Lindsey Webster • Love Inside • Shanachie • Release: 3.16.18

Photo Credit: Shanachie