'After Hours' marks the brand new album from singer, songwriter and bandleader Germana Stella La Sorsa who presents an enthralling new record alongside celebrated guitarist Tom Ollendorff.
As an artist continually embracing new opportunities to present varying facets of her music, the Italian-born La Sorsa, who now divides her time between Italy and London, delivers a standout performance alongside accompaniment by Ollendorff. Incredibly, 'After Hours' serves as La Sorsa's third album within a four-year period...
Typically leaning towards a Hammond organ trio backing, La Sorsa's debut album came in the form of the stunning 'Vapour' back in late-2021 and served as a heartfelt and impassioned introduction. Through an incredible seven-track release, 'Vapour' found La Sorsa's exquisite vocal warmly at home amidst arrangements that paid homage to traditional jazz stylings but still boldly looked to the genre's future. Featuring the musical talents of guitarist Nick Costley-White, organist Sam Leak and drummer Jay Davis, 'Vapour' was at times trippy and at times intrepid but ultimately an album that was an ethereal triumph ingratiating her to Italy's jazz scene where she had cut her teeth performing live for years, and to London's similarly vibrant setting where she has since sought to establish herself as well.
'Primary Colours' would follow exactly two years later - an aptly titled concept project with a further seven compositions that were as spirited and dynamic as the name would suggest. And while Leak and Davis resumed their duties on the album, 'Primary Colours' would also induct Ollendorff into the fold paving the way for 'After Hours'.
Also releasing his debut album in 2021, Tom Ollendorff's 'A Song For You' on the Spanish label Fresh Sound Records went on to open the doors for the guitarist's international success. With UK performances at the Royal Albert Hall and Ronnie Scott's as well as at venues across Europe, Ollendorff continues to assert himself as a key name amidst the UK's flourishing hotbed of talent.
La Sorsa has consistently been able to present a compelling and engaging intimacy throughout her past projects regardless of the project's arrangements. With Ollendorff's guitar as the singular accompaniment however, listeners are treated to a new level of care and devotion from La Sorsa's performance that recontextualises her typically impassioned delivery.
Comprised of six tracks, some original compositions and some covers, the duo's take on 'Because' by The Beatles may very well mark the album's brightest moment. Beautifully performed throughout, it's really the song's latter more free-wheeling half that utterly captivates. A cover of La Sorsa's past release 'In Time and (S)Pace' marks a further highlight transforming the noir jazz-esque original from 'Vapours' into a more enchanting rendition.
With 'After Hours', Germana Stella La Sorsa invites us into a quieter, more contemplative chapter of her musical journey. With Ollendorff’s deft guitar work elevating the dialogue, the duo offer a stripped-back, quietly powerful collection that is elegant in its simplicity yet emotionally rich.
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