"Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I've ever known."
The words of US author Chuck Palahniuk have long served as an apt reminder that each of us are absolutely the sum of our parts. As individuals, we're invariably shaped by the people in our lives, the people that raised us, the people we have surrounded ourselves with the most, even the people we simply admire in the public eye. But looking beyond that, we are also the product of everyone that came before us. Our lineages that in many cases have seen our predecessors endure struggle that we may never even know about it and cultivate stories that date back generations all in a bid to see us where we currently are.
So much of Lauren Henderson's music is rooted within this very understanding and serves as a vessel of sorts for the singer-songwriter to explore not just her own identity but also to connect with the cultural path that brought her to the here and now.
The release of 'Sonidos' serves as a stunning continuation of a musical journey that started with the release of Henderson's self-titled debut album back in 2011. More than ten releases later, which include a further nine studio albums and an EP, the Massachusetts-born, New York-based artist has managed to interweave a fascinating narrative throughout the tapestry of her releases. And while many of the project's themes revolve around the notion of exploration, they are just as much about celebration as well. Proudly showcasing her roots within the context of Black American Music intertwined with an Afro-Latinx aesthetic, 'Sonidos' waves that flag in the way her past releases always have.
Everything about Lauren Henderson's story to date has served as inspirational. As a highly educated and highly decorated independent artist - with each of her album releases to date having been unveiled through her own Brontosaurus Records - Henderson has toured the world and graced stages at venues and festivals across the US, Spain, France, Italy and Germany. Heralded as a creative and imaginative artist, Henderson's music features an exquisite presentation of contemporary jazz elegantly intertwined with Afro-Caribbean influences with Latin stylings.
Across the sixteen tracks that adorn 'Sonidos', Henderson is supported by some sensational backing by way of vibraphonist Joel Ross (Makaya McCraven, Brandee Younger), pianist Sullivan Fortner (Cécile McLorin Salvant, Kassa Overall), drummer Joe Dyson (Dr Lonnie Smith, Christian Scott), with bass on the album equally divided by Dezron Douglas (Atalaya, Melanie Charles) and Eric Wheeler (Theo Croker, Samara Joy). It's a phenomenal line-up and one befitting of Henderson's own immeasurable talents and commitment.
'Sonidos' is a masterclass in how to respectfully acknowledge traditional approaches to jazz while still seeking to carve a unique and distinctive path of your own at the same time. Throughout the album, Henderson reminds us that heritage is not just something a person inherits but it is ultimately something to be celebrated and shared and for that reason 'Sonidos' is no less than a joyous experience. Another incandescent chapter within Lauren Henderson's scintillating and unfolding story.
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