Critical Acclaim

Critical Acclaim

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“…the most talked-about jazz vocalist to emerge since Cécile McLorin Salvant and Gregory Porter both became stars about five years ago…like Mr. Porter, she uses a striking command to project a mix of didacticism and sweetness. And she’s possessed of some distinctive tools, all of which were on display: a pinched, sassy tone in the highest register; a fondness for unguarded duets with her bassist; an array of rough, pealing nonverbal sounds that add drama to codas and interludes, hinting at meanings in the music that go beyond what fits on the page.”
The New York Times
 
“Jazz singers rarely come more rigorously vetted than Jazzmeia Horn. A native of Dallas, Texas and a graduate of the New School in New York City, she has taken first prize in two prestigious events, the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Competition (2013) and the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition (2015). Her long-awaited debut album — A Social Call, due out on May 12 on Prestige — feels designed to showcase her range, with nods to Mary J. Blige and the Stylistics as well as jazz-vocal lodestars like Vaughan. ‘Tight,’ the lead single, is a tune by the great Betty Carter that Horn has been singing for years. And her performance — with saxophonist Stacy Dillard, pianist Victor Gould, bassist Ben Williams and drummer Jerome Jennings — suggests a smartly playful homage.”
WBGO.org
 
“When the legendary Jon Hendricks says a vocalist ‘has one of the best voices I’ve heard in over 40 years,’ that in itself is enough to catch people’s attention. Add to that the fact that she won both the 2013 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition and the 2015 Thelonious Monk International Vocal Jazz Competition, and it’s obvious Jazzmeia Horn is a singer to watch out for…With the depth of feeling and personality of Billy Holiday and the virtuosity and playfulness of Sarah Vaughan, the opening few notes that introduce us to Horn’s voice speak volumes to the maturity and talent of the young singer.”
Revive
 
“Jazzmeia Horn, 26, harbors both astounding technique and an acute artistic vision…Horn has a thrilling presence, with a musical sensibilty that strikes a deft balance between mid-century jazz and contemporary neo-soul”
DownBeat Editors’ Picks
 
“The record declares her allegiance to the jazz tradition, while claiming space for a contemporary perspective. Its 10 tracks include the standards ‘Tight’ and ‘East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)’; the Stylistics’ ‘People Make the World Go Round’; and the gospel number ‘Up Above My Head.’ Ms. Horn, who won the 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition, has an arrestingly precise attack — dilated in the low end and neatly pinched up top.”
The New York Times
 
“Just 25, the Dallas-born Horn emerges as a fully realized stylist and a first-rate scatter whose vivacity, imagination, gutsiness and socio-political savvy echo the likes of Carter and Abbey Lincoln. Simply put, she is as exciting a discovery as Cécile Mclorin Salvant or Gregory Porter.”
JazzTimes Editor’s Pick
 
“Her gift and calling have since led her through the most rigorous vetting process available to a present-day jazz singer—and now on to A Social Call (Concord/Prestige), the rangy, self-possessed major-label debut that could herald the next big voice in her field…At its best, the album frames Horn’s idiosyncrasies as an aesthetic reflection of her particular life experience.”
Texas Monthly
 
“When Jazzmeia Horn, 26, takes the stage, she owns it. She exudes a fervid yet regal presence that commands respect, which augments her graceful singing.”
DownBeat
 
“Vaughan’s influence on Horn is crystal-clear on A Social Call, her debut album for Prestige Records, the legendary jazz label (now owned by Concord Music) that was once home to Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane…It’s a bold, far-reaching disc, with songs associated with Vaughan (‘I Remember You’), Coltrane (‘Afro-Blue’) and R&B star Mary J. Blige (‘I’m Goin Down’). Yet the album is firmly based in gospel, too, as Horn dives deep into old spirituals like ‘Wade in The Water.’”
Dallas Morning News
 
“While deeply indebted to the warm, agile sound of legendary vocalist Sarah Vaughan (in fact, Horn also won the 2013 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition), she displays a forceful sense of personal identity, both creatively and philosophically, on A Social Call…Horn’s Titanic vocal skills are matched by her depth of character and artistic purpose; all of which inform A Social Call.”  ****
All Music
 
“The release of A Social Call will surely be one album that showcases and formally establishes Horn as a break-through star…All throughout A Social Call, Jazzmeia Horn bends notes as though they were shoe leather, and she nails them, especially the higher notes, with deft resolve. At times she grinds a phrase with a serrated cry that recalls Natalie Cole. In coming to terms with the varied music she has conceived, Horn is expanding the playing field.”
San Diego County News
 
“Jazzmeia Horn is a most gifted singer whose originality, horn-like phrasing, timbre and timing will enthrall the listener on this auspicious debut.”
Jazz & Blues Report
 
“With the benefit of Horn’s vocal prowess, A Social Call is an album that satisfyingly combines jazz of the classic, small-group variety—when singers had to step up and carry the same musical weight as any other band member—with more modern flavors of gospel and neo-soul.”
Soul Tracks
 
“Lovers of great singers such as Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter and Nina Simone will find in Horn a thrilling new voice in American music…There's not a wasted note on this exceptional recording by a truly virtuoso talent.”
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
 
“The Dallas-born vocalist’s stunning ability to channel the icons of the ‘50s and ‘60s will make any listener fall in love…This album is a joy to listen to..”
Elmore
 
“Exhibiting an advanced artistic development and confidence associated with more established performers, Jazzmeia Horn exudes an intense sense of purpose, and delivers an outstanding repertoire skillfully suited to her talent. Citing influences and mentors as vital in the process of becoming a musician, Horn was determined to find her own voice, and she has succeeded.” ****
All About Jazz
 
“As they say, jazz is nothin' but soul and this rising star, Jazzmeia Horn, has it!  Now, make time for A Social Call.”
studioexpresso eZine
 
“…a versatile, sparkling debut from a singer fulfilling her promise as a jazz diva.”
The New York City Jazz Record
 
“One fact is obvious from Jazzmeia Horn’s debut album: this woman can sing! A talent like this doesn’t come along very often, and I can’t wait to hear what the future will bring.”
Black Grooves
 
“She’s a 26-year-old jazz singer from Dallas with incredible crispness, clarity, tone, and power. But what Jazzmeia Horn, 2015 winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition, also has is a knack for bringing together the best of Old School jazz traditions with more modern sounds, along with a hefty dose of uplifting, spiritual messages.”
Toledo Blade
 
“…a delight…Her voice mixes the rich R&B feel of Ruth Brown with the flexibility and clarity of Ella Fitzgerald…”
Jazz Weekly
 
“There is no doubt that she has been studying her vocal history in all its splendid variations. Her voice holds great prospect for the future. Not only has she absorbed these traditions, she has enough vocal discipline and range to pull off the most difficult of these techniques and enough personal assurance to make the end-product sound like her own invention.”
Notes on Jazz
 
“The great Betty Carter must be smiling down from heaven as she listens to Jazzmeia Horn…She’s buoyant, fresh sounding, spontaneous and fearless…On this recording, Jazzmeia Horn epitomizes everything a jazz singer should be.”
Musicalmemoirs Blog
 
“…arguably the most exciting new vocalist in jazz right now…Just 26-years-old, Dallas-born Jazzmeia Horn shows an astonishing maturity on A Social Call, channeling the spirit of classic horn-like vocalists like Sarah Vaughan (her idol) and Betty Carter but fusing those influences with her own contemporary style and sensibility to arrive at something that is simultaneously traditional and modern. She succeeds in marrying virtuosic skill with a soulful sensitivity, achieving a perfect union of technique and deep feeling.”
Soul and Jazz and Funk
 
“…a fine selection of standards and classic tracks with a social message, all back up by a great band…This will undoubtedly be amongst the jazz albums of the year. Sensational!”
Echoes (UK)
 
“America’s newest jazz diva.” ****
MOJO (UK)
 
“A Social Call is one of the singularly most powerful debuts of recent times.” ****
Jazzwise (UK)
 
“A Social Call has a palpable Sarah Vaughan influence but is still strongly individualistic.” ****
Record Collector (UK)