Cécile McLorin Salvant's new album, 'Oh Snap', is a bold departure from her jazz roots, blending computer-generated sounds with her crystalline vocals. The US-raised French-Haitian singer, who first captivated London audiences at Ronnie Scott's in 2014, has created a set of 12 originals and one cover over four years, experimenting with grungy pop, intimate folk music, and electronic textures.
Salvant's technical prowess remains evident, from the breezy swing of 'Anything But Now' to the stark soul-wailing of 'What Does Blue Mean to You', inspired by Toni Morrison's 'Beloved'. The album features collaborations with pianist Sullivan Fortner and vocalists June McDoom and Kate Davis, showcasing Salvant's folksy harmonies on tracks like 'Take This Stone'.
Salvant's visual art background liberated her for this adventurous step-change, resulting in playful Auto-Tuned electro-pop on 'A Little Bit More' and the skipping synth-hooked title track. The meditative 'Expanse', born from the pandemic, further demonstrates her fearless reinvention.
