Maria Solena - Yesterday and Tomorrow (2025)

Yesterday and Tomorrow marks a significant moment in vocalist Maria Solena's artistic journey. Her fourth studio album showcases a bold shift from interpreting the works of others to presenting her own voice as a songwriter. For the first time, her work is predominantly comprised of original compositions, blending elements of soul, swing, Latin and jazz-infused pop.

A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Solena has immersed herself in vocal jazz for over 15 years, performing alongside artists such as Phil Dwyer, Richie Cole and Seamus Blake. On this album, she joins forces with two of Canada's most respected producers, Allan Rodger and Miles Black. Their production work, paired with standout contributions from multi-instrumentalist Tom Keenlyside on flute, saxophone and trumpet, gives the album a polished sound.

The album opens with its sole cover: "Just the Two of Us," written by Bill Withers, William Salter and Ralph MacDonald. The track earned the 1982 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Solena's version maintains the smooth essence of the original but attracts attention with her vocal tone and remarkable clarity. Her voice floats above the relaxed swing, with Keenlyside's flute providing melodic counterpoint.

Solena's songwriting takes center stage with "Open Your Eyes," a slow-moving ballad that provides her with ample opportunity to convey the regretful nature of the lyrics. Her voice is warm and relaxed and her phrasing is well-chosen to fit the material. Highlighting her versatility, she shows a different style on September, with her voice carrying a smile as she breezes through the upbeat, light swing of another fine Rodger arrangement.

The album unfolds with a jazzy, soulful style that draws from the vocal traditions of the 1960s. Her approach nods to the influence of Dusty Springfield, Nancy Wilson and Julie London. The arrangements reflect this vintage inspiration beautifully, particularly on tracks like "Grateful" and "If It's Real Love," providing the ideal framework for her expressive phrasing. While some lyrics lean toward familiar territory and occasional repetition, Solena's understated delivery, light touch and clarity breathe life into the material.

There is a delicate elegance to Solena's nostalgic songs; it bubbles to the surface on "Before The Night Is Done" and the Latin-tinged "Hold Me Tight. "She demonstrates her ability to merge an unhurried, tasteful approach with contemporary flair, creating arrangements that feel both classic and refreshingly modern. Light without being insubstantial, soulful, romantic and full of genuine promise.~By Neil Duggan