Sofie Sörman - Ripples (2013)

As her creative clock propels her to take flight with the release of her album "Ripples," Sofie Sörman adds her name to the prestigious list of Swedish jazz singers. Her voice is characterized neither by unnecessary vocal flourishes nor exaggerated vibrato, but by a perfect mastery of dynamics, placed at the service of the narrative. Ballads and uptempo melodies follow one another, referencing her Nordic roots, her love for her adopted homeland: France, where she has resided since 2000, and her own experiences. The other key to the success of this project is the trio of Armel Dupas-one of the most inspired keyboardists of the new generation of French composers—who creates a subtle and silky soundscape around the singer. However, it's not about being lulled by the caressing inflections of this brilliant Swedish singer: Sofie's compositions may seem soothing, but they nonetheless reflect the mysteries and torments of existence. Author, composer, performer, Sofie Sörman is an artist with whom jazz will now have to reckon.