Acclaimed trumpeter and powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Hartswick released her new album, Something in the Water, via Christian McBride’s Mack Avenue Music Group imprint, Brother Mister Productions, on Friday. Bridging jazz, soul, funk, and R&B with a palatable pop appeal, the album reflects Hartswick’s multiple talents and diverse musical background, with contributions from a number of high-profile collaborators.
Something in the Water was co-written and produced by guitarist Nick Cassarino, who often performs in a duo with Hartswick. The two musicians “spent a week and a half at a closed bed and breakfast in Vermont during the winter of 2021 [where] they focused on composing the entire record in a controlled environment, with lyric input from songwriter Erin Boyd,” according to a press release.
“We’d write and cook and write and cook and laugh and cry and write and cook,” said Hartswick. “That was the purpose of the trip, to see if we could write an album.”
The album’s nine tracks are comprised of original repertoire and fresh arrangements of familiar songs, including previously released singles “Only Time Will Tell” and “By the River”.
With deep, reflective lyrics and breathtaking vocals, Something in the Water runs the full gamut of emotions. “We wanted to celebrate the human experience,” said Hartswick. “We wanted to write about all facets of love and life and loss and gain. There’s definitely an arc of someone’s life in this album.”
The album was recorded at Sound Emporium with engineer Joe Costa and mixed and mastered by Greg Magers and Dan Shike, respectively. It features renowned jazz bassist Christian McBride and Cassarino alongside drummer Conor Elmes, vocalist Celisse Henderson, and keyboardist Rob Marscher, with contributions from special guests including trombonists Natalie Cressman and Roy Agee among others.
Following Hartswick’s two previous solo albums—2011’s Ocean Floor and 2018’s Nexus—Something in the Water is a remarkably strong and original statement from a musician known as a highly sought-after instrumentalist. She leaves no doubt that she has come into her own as a solo artists and composer. “My music is blossoming. More life has been lived and evolution is happening. I hope people who listen do so with an open heart.”
Something in the Water is now available on all streaming platforms. Listen to the album via Bandcamp in the player below.
Click below for a list of Jennifer Hartswick’s upcoming tour dates and visit her website to purchase tickets.
Something in the Water by Jennifer Hartswick
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