Mondays with Morgan: Sylvia Brooks – new album ‘Soliloquy’

Los Angeles-based jazz vocalist Sylvia Brooks has released her latest studio album, Soliloquy, on June 5 through SBM Records. This collection marks a significant evolution in her artistry, blending original songwriting with reinterpretations of works by notable composers such as Mal Waldron, Sting, and Tom Waits.

Brooks, whose roots are steeped in a rich musical heritage—being the daughter of jazz pianist Don Ippolito and opera singer Johanna Dordick—initially pursued a career in acting before establishing herself in the jazz world. Her previous records have showcased her ability to inhabit diverse narratives, ranging from classic standards to contemporary songwriting. With Soliloquy, she deepens her personal narrative voice, contributing four original songs inspired by real-life encounters and emotional observations.

The album’s creation was a collaborative effort with longtime musical partner Christian Jacob, a French pianist and arranger with an impressive résumé that includes nine Grammy nominations and scores for Clint Eastwood films. Jacob played an integral role in shaping the album’s sound, co-writing some material and crafting arrangements that allowed the music to flourish. The recording process emphasized live studio sessions, capturing the immediacy and intimacy that Brooks values in jazz performance.

Among the original tracks, "A Letter to Sophie" draws inspiration from French conceptual artist Sophie Calle’s poignant installations, exploring themes of love and heartbreak through the metaphor of a Dear John letter. Similarly, "Lizzie’s Dance" emerged from Brooks’ emotional response to witnessing a young girl with Down syndrome dance courageously despite apparent differences, illustrating themes of resilience and vulnerability.

Brooks’ lyrical approach on Soliloquy reflects a shift towards nuanced storytelling, influenced by songwriters known for their cinematic and layered lyricism, such as Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits. Her interpretation of Waits’ "Temptation" stands out for its fresh perspective on the song’s metaphor of bargaining with one’s integrity. This reflective take aligns with the album’s overarching exploration of shared human struggles and the varied ways individuals confront them.

Supporting Brooks and Jacob is a distinguished ensemble of musicians: bassist Kevin Axt, drummer and percussionist Kevin Winard, guitarist Grant Geissman, and saxophonist Farzin Farhadi. Farhadi’s distinct tenor saxophone contributions, in particular, were highlighted as a vital element that enriched the album’s soundscape. The rhythm section’s versatility, especially Winard’s addition of congas on "Temptation," added textural depth to the recordings.

An innovative aspect of Soliloquy is its use of vocal harmonies in place of traditional string arrangements, notably on the track "Fragile." Brooks enlisted a choir led by Michelle Jensen from the Recording Academy to perform complex jazz harmonies that complemented the song’s emotional intensity, demonstrating a creative approach to orchestration within a jazz context.

Brooks envisions Soliloquy not merely as a collection of songs but as a conduit for emotional connection, inviting listeners to find fragments of their own experiences within the music. The album’s intimate production and diverse thematic content underscore her commitment to creating jazz that resonates on a deeply personal level.

While the album includes interpretations of established compositions, its core is defined by Brooks’ increasingly confident songwriting. This development signifies a broader trend in her career from interpreting others’ stories to crafting her own, marking Soliloquy as a milestone that reflects both artistic maturity and a desire to engage audiences through honest, narrative-driven jazz.

Details on additional promotional activities or live performances supporting Soliloquy remain limited as of now. However, the album’s release through SBM Records situates Brooks firmly within the contemporary jazz landscape, poised to attract listeners appreciative of both traditional jazz sensibilities and innovative storytelling.