If there's anyone we'd trust with the future of jazz and soul, it's Kandace Springs. And with the coming arrival of her next album, The Women Who Raised Me, it looks like we can trust her to preserve its history as well. Her takes on classic tracks popularized by her musical heroines — including the set's lead single, a cover of Sade's "Pearls" — show just how much she reveres both genres and her willingness to preserve each song's timeless appeal while making it uniquely her own. We get another taste of the album to come with the release of new single "Solitude."
"Solitude" itself is actually a Duke Ellington standard that's been covered many times over in the 86 years that it has existed. With her cover, however, Kandace looks to one particular singer who put her own stamp on the song: Carmen McRae. She channels the late singer with a lush musical arrangement that begins with her tickling the piano keys. From there, the melancholy tune builds as bass and brush snare are added into the mix. Kandace's voice, meanwhile, pours over the track like honey as she begs the Lord above to send back her love and end her solitude. As if the spell she weaves on the song isn't enough, the singer recruits saxophonist Chris Potter to add sorrowful sax to the proceedings, further wringing whatever remaining sadness she didn't draw out with her smoky alto.
Miss Springs was also gracious enough to offer a video of a live performance of the song for us to enjoy as well. In it, she sits down at her piano among a group of female musicians as she sings the somber song. The sax solo is omitted but, honestly, it isn't needed. That's because Kandace offers up a quiet-yet-powerful performance that is captivating all on its own.
Check out both the single version of "Solitude" and the video of its live session below. Additionally, if you want to catch Kandace Springs when she hits the road this spring, we've also included her upcoming tour dates. The Women Who Raised Me will arrive on March 27th and is currently available for pre-order.
Kandace Springs 2020 Tour dates:
- Advertisement -12 March – Jazz Standard – NYC
13 March – Jazz Standard – NYC
14 March – Jazz Standard – NYC
15 March – Jazz Standard – NYC
18 March – Ferring Jazz Bistro at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz – St Louis, MO
19 March – Ferring Jazz Bistro at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz – St Louis, MO
20 March – Ferring Jazz Bistro at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz – St Louis, MO
21 March – Ferring Jazz Bistro at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz – St Louis, MO
22 March – Ferring Jazz Bistro at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz – St Louis, MO
28 March – Cafe de la Danse – Paris, FR
3 April– Alexandra Palace – London, ENG
5 April – Aula UAM – Poznań, PL
