NY harpist Brandee Younger releases new soulful jazz album ‘Somewhere Different’ on Impulse!
One of the last year’s best albums, and a recording that really captured the emotion of 2020 well, was New York harpist Brandee Younger and bassist Dezron Douglas Force Majeure. Following this beautifully homemade session (recorded in the couple’s apartment), Younger steps out on her own to release a brilliant full-length on Impulse!, titled Somewhere Different.
Highly inspired by pioneering harpists Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, this eight-track recording nicely blends together soulful jazz grooves and spiritual meditative vibes with a fresh modern feel.
Recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studios in New Jersey from November 2020 to February 2021, this remarkable session also features Allan Mednard on drums and Rashaan Carter on bass, with appearances by legendary bassist Ron Carter, trumpeter Maurice Brown, tenor saxophonist Chelsea Baratz, flutist Anne Drummond and drummer Marcus Gilmore.
In what was certainly one of the most anticipated jazz albums of 2020, Somewhere Different absolutely delivers, and is arguably Younger’s best recording to date. With the support and backing of Impulse!, hopefully this album becomes a breakthrough release for this incredibly talented and forward-thinking artist.
Brandee Younger — ‘Somewhere Different’
(Impulse!)
1. Reclamation
2. Spirit U Will
3. Pretend
4. Somewhere Different
5. Love & Struggle
6. Black Is Beautiful
7. Olivia Benson
8. Tickled Pink
