"A Modern Art" is a captivating journey through the world of vocal jazz, brought to life by the enchanting Claire Martin. Released on January 1, 2009, via Linn Records, this album is a testament to Martin's versatility and artistry, spanning a diverse range of styles within the jazz genre. With a runtime of just over 52 minutes, the album features 14 tracks that showcase Martin's impressive vocal range and her ability to breathe new life into both classic and contemporary compositions.
The album opens with "Everything I've Got Belongs to You," setting the tone for a collection that is as eclectic as it is engaging. Martin pays a heartfelt tribute to the late Esbjörn Svensson with a rendition of "Love Is Real," a poignant moment that highlights her ability to convey deep emotion through her music. The title track, "A Modern Art," is an original composition that explores the evolving essence of jazz, featuring sparkling contributions from Nigel Hitchcock on saxophone.
Recorded over three days in March 2009 at Phoenix Sound in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, "A Modern Art" benefits from the talents of a superb ensemble of backing musicians. The album's eclectic nature is evident in tracks like "So Twentieth Century" and "lowercase," which demonstrate Martin's ability to navigate different musical landscapes with ease. Standout tracks such as "Totally" and "Nirvana" further underscore her versatility and command of the genre.
Throughout "A Modern Art," Claire Martin's voice is the guiding light, weaving through each track with a sense of grace and power. Whether she's delivering a heartfelt ballad or a lively jazz standard, Martin's performance is consistently captivating. This album is not just a collection of songs but a celebration of Claire Martin's unique voice and her enduring contribution to the world of vocal jazz.
