European jazz icon Maja Jaku steps confidently onto the American jazz stage with her fifth studio album, “Blessed and Bewitched.” Recorded in Brooklyn and released on Origin Records, this album is a carefully curated statement; balancing a range of emotional themes across originals and standards.
Intimate and assured in its delivery, Blessed and Bewitched It is not a radical reinvention of the jazz vocal tradition, but rather a deeply felt extension of it. It’s shaped purely on the strength of the ensemble, featuring strong compositions and thoughtful production.
At its core, Blessed & Bewitched is a modern jazz vocal album rooted in classic sensibilities. Jaku’s approach to singing is cinematic and image-driven, and she often phrases with patience, allowing silence and space to heighten the emotional impact. There’s a quiet intensity to her voice that’s sensual without excess, making the album feel contemplative and personal.
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The instrumentation reflects a classic jazz quartet-plus configuration, elevated by the caliber of the musicians involved. Jaku’s group is highly responsive, and clearly understands how to frame a vocalist without crowding her. Alan Bartuš’ piano provides harmonic warmth and narrative momentum, while Michael Rodriguez emerges as a key voice on the album; his trumpet lines often acting as a second narrator.
The album opens with “The Witch,” a dark, atmospheric piece that immediately establishes mood. Jaku’s voice is understated but magnetic, drawing the listener in with subtle inflections rather than overt power. It’s a fitting introduction, suggesting mystery and inner strength while setting the album’s tonal palette.
From there, “I’m a Queen” shifts the energy decisively. Built on confidence and determination, the track allows Jaku to stretch rhythmically and emotionally, incorporating moments of scat singing and playful assertion.
The inclusion of standards is handled with care and intention, with “Never Let Me Go” being rendered with warmth and emotional immediacy, as Jaku’s phrasing breathes new life into familiar material. The album closes with “Everything Must Change,” delivered with dramatic pauses and out-of-tempo phrasing that underscore the song’s sense of inevitability and acceptance.
Ultimately, Blessed & Bewitched positions Maja Jaku as a jazz vocalist of depth and discernment. It’s an album that rewards close listening, built on nuance rather than spectacle. This is a well-crafted artistic statement that highlights Jaku’s expressive voice, strong compositional instincts, and ability to lead a world-class ensemble.