Lauren Henderson - Sombras
Lauren Henderson - Sombras
(Brontosaurus Records, 2024)
It is difficult to be both prolific and provide a consistently high-quality product. Yet, vocalist Lauren Henderson has been doing exactly this since 2011 on 10 previous releases, all on her Bronosaurus Records. Henderson’s follow-up to 2023’s Conjuring, Sombras (Shadows) derives from the interrogative of how one’s cultural origins influence who one becomes. Henderson boasts roots reaching into Panama, Montserrat, and the Caribbean, at large, while being American by birth and education. She blends these influences with that of her African heritage producing a sound something like the warm and humid breath of the Gulf blowing in your ear. This is the sound Henderson continues to look for, coming this much closer with Sombras.
Henderson served as her creative turnkey, arranging all the music on this album, writing the lyrics and melodies to all the songs, and producing the project. The project reflects Henderson as self-assured and determined. Wisely, the singer uses her long-standing band, vibraphonist Joel Ross, pianist Sean Mason, bassist Jonathan Michel, and drummer Joe Dyson. Besides Henderson herself, Michel stands out as the most organic of the accompanists, both in his solos (“Sombras”) and support (“Illumination”). Ross’ vibraphone is the soothing balm covering these songs with grace and warmth. There is a wonderful alchemy here.