Jazz vocalist, pianist, and actor Isabella Isherwood is only 23 years old, yet she performs with the poise, confidence, and musical maturity of a seasoned jazz professional. The Sweetest Sounds is her debut album, but her approach to selections from the Great American Songbook is nothing short of spectacular. Her ability to communicate the meaning of every lyric with remarkable sensitivity, combined with her warm, clear, and expressive voice, makes it hard to believe she is only 23 years old.
Isabella began her musical education at the age of four, studying classical piano. Even at that early age, she was immersed in jazz through her grandfather, Jerry Libby, a Detroit-based pianist and club owner whose independent label, Sabrina Records, was founded in 1964. That early exposure to the great jazz recordings clearly helped shape the artist she has become.
Although still at the beginning of what promises to be an outstanding career, Isherwood has already built an impressive résumé that includes performances in concert halls, jazz festivals, and international tours. I believe she is destined to rise quickly into the top tier of today's jazz vocalists. In addition to her work as a jazz artist, Isherwood is an accomplished actor and co-founder of a theater company. That theatrical background gives her vocal interpretations an added depth, allowing her to tell each song's story with honesty and conviction.
Joining Isherwood on this recording are three exceptional Chicago musicians: Mike Allemana on guitar, Joe Policastro on bass, and Alejandro Salazar on drums. Their tasteful, sympathetic accompaniment provides the perfect foundation for Isherwood's vocals while allowing each musician opportunities to shine.
The Sweetest Sounds is an exceptionally impressive debut recording. Isabella Isherwood has already demonstrated the artistry, musical intelligence, and emotional maturity that many performers spend decades trying to achieve. I have no doubt she is on her way to becoming one of the major voices in contemporary jazz in the years ahead.
I have attached two selections from The Sweetest Sounds. The first is "I Love Being Here With You," which Isherwood describes as “A love letter to Chicago—the clubs, the city, the musicians who raised me, my band, and the audiences who come out to listen." The second selection is "The Song Is You." Both performances beautifully showcase the talent and artistry of this remarkable young vocalist.
Playlist
- Devil May Care
- The Sweetest Sounds
- Till There Was You
- Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
- This Time The Dream’s On Me
- My Buddy
- The Song Is You
- Time Heals Everything
- Love Is A losing Game
- Teach Me Tonight
- Round Midnight
- I Love Being Here With You
Personnel
- Isabella Isherwood – vocals, piano
- Mike Allemana – guitar
- Joe Policastro – bass
- Alejandro Salazar – drums
