Up-and-coming Austrian jazz vocalist and pianist Lilimae (Lili Maljic) makes her first full-length statement with “The Nearness of You – In Loving Memory of Jim Rotondi.” This album collection of standards threaded together by her warm, intimate delivery and the unmistakable presence of late trumpeter and her mentor, Jim Rotondi.
When a debut arrives framed as a memorial, the stakes feel different, and this record feels like both a tribute and a quiet showcase of a young artist stretching into her identity. Recorded in May 2024, only weeks before Rotondi’s passing that July, the context hangs over every note.
– https://lilimaemusic.com/album/the-nearness-of-you/
The album begins with “The Shadow of Your Smile,” which sets the mood immediately. Lilimae’s vocals are hushed and reflective while being warmed by Rotondi’s trumpet. This is followed by the more upbeat “Easy to Love,” which thrives on conversational phrasing. The record moves from sparseness to ensemble fullness, establishing Lilimae as an artist that’s not confined to one style.
“The Nearness of You” is the centerpiece, with Lilimae’s arrangement bending time and dynamic in service of intimacy. The album closes out with a classic, “That old Black Magic,” which features Lilimae performing solo on piano and vocals. The delivery of this track is incredible, with Lilimae’s haunting vocals stealing the spotlight from the opening note.
Throughout the project, Rotondi didn’t just play trumpet; he arranged, and helped frame Lilimae’s debut, making the project feel more like a collaboration than a simple vocal showcase. The result is an album that mourns without sentimentality, honoring a mentor by foregrounding musical dialogue and restraint.
The Nearness of You succeeds as both an introduction to Lilimae’s artistry and a heartfelt farewell to Jim Rotondi. Its emotional honesty shines through thanks to the clean and intimate production along with the refined ensemble performance. The record isn’t flawless but Lilimae shows an abundance of promise, and that’s enough to keep us coming back for more.