'One or Two Things' by Dalia Valančiūtė

Jazz standards have long displayed a notably magical quality within the genre: compositions that ultimately become self-contained gifts, passed from one generation to the next and subsequently documenting an esteemed lineage as part of its own journey.  In this way, standards become a bridge of sorts between eras but also an enduring lexicon that has the ability to document everything from the continual ills of society to the purest joy of finding a divine love.

For the artist though, it's the strength of the performance that determines whether their interpretation can stand the test of time and do justice to songs that are intertwined within jazz's history.

Through the release of her second full-length album, 'One or Two Things', Dalia Valančiūtė presents an inspired perspective over the course of the project's twelve tracks that treat standards as living bodies of work connecting its revered past with progressive takes for the songs' future.

Born in Lithuania and now residing in Copenhagen, Valančiūtė has become a staple on the Danish live music circuit - the brief selection of videos available through her YouTube channel really demonstrates her charm, poise and charisma through studio renditions of 'My One and Only Love' and 'If I Had You' that are indicative of a deeply impassioned performer.

The release of 'Open the Door' in 2023, again, was demonstrative of Valančiūtė's affections for the genre presented through a warmly-received debut album.  'One or Two Things' finds the vocalist in more self-assured footing as she displays the confidence of an artist now able to decidedly hone in on the best version of herself; a version that finds the balance between honouring tradition while fearlessly conveying enough personality to interpret the songs within her own vision.  

And helping to bring these exquisite renditions into life is Valančiūtė's long-standing core unit which includes pianist Laurits Høgel, bassist Mariusz Praśniewski and drummer Jesper Lørup, with additional support from saxophonist Christian Holm-Svendsen and Malthe Kaptain on trumpet.  Boasting undeniably scintillating chemistry, the players are able to paint sublime musical backdrops for Valančiūtė's vocal whether it be for the joyous swing of 'Nobody Else But Me' or the delectable noir jazz of album closer 'Too Late Now'.

This is music that stands the test of time because - as compositions, as written words - the impact that standards have on artists and audiences alike reveal continual (re)discovery through each iteration or interpretation.  But 'One or Two Things' doesn't just carry the weight of audience expectations with it, it is also indicative of Valančiūtė wearing the pride of her Lithuanian roots which in many ways proves just as integral to the album's story.

'One or Two Things' is Dalia Valančiūtė picking up the mantle - like those before her - and valiantly bestowing these treasures onto a new generation.