Chicago jazz vocalist Alyssa Allgood has come a long way since releasing Lady Bird (Alyssa Allgood, 2015) where she emerged, nearly fully formed, with an impressive scat singing/vocalese ability. This ability became a profession on Out Of The Blue (Jeru Jazz Records, 2016), Exactly Like You (Cellar Live, 2018), and What Tomorrow Brings (Cellar Live, 2021). Allgood’s densely fine contralto, now fully realized, meets on an even field the material it deserves, her own. The singer composed 10 of the 12 selections featured while giving the two standards (Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” and Burton Lane/Alan Jay Lerner’s “On A Clear Day") a thorough reharmonization.
Allgood assembles a dream band with pianist Geoffrey Keezer, bassist John Patitucci, drummer Kendrick Scott, and saxophonist Greg Ward. In the control room is noted jazz vocalist and composer Jeff Baker, whose discography supports his position on this project as producer. Allgood and Baker share a musical empathy for summoning an orchestral environment from the quartet, particularly Scott, who drums in the crosshairs of Elvin Jones and Tony Williams, creating a percussive curtain. Outstanding are Allgood’s homage to Betty Carter, “Burn (For Betty),” “Brave Little Flower,” and “Other Side.” A great synergy occurs between the singer, band, and producer on From Here, promising much more as Allgood moves into the forefront of jazz vocalists.