Hedvig Hanson - Kohtumistund (2008)

Hedvig Hanson is one of the most interesting female vocalists in contemporary Estonia. She possesses a fine, resonant voice and - most importantly and rarely - good taste.

On the album *Kohtumistund* ("The Hour of Meeting"), Hanson treads a mellow jazz path that, for the discerning listener, serves as a superior alternative to the usual "Silent Nights" and "Little Drummer Boys" when it comes to evoking the Christmas spirit. Of course, it does not replace Frank Sinatra. Nothing replaces Frankie—but we already know that.

*Kohtumistund* features a dozen songs by Estonian composers - gall of them classics: Naissoo, Ehala, Veski, Ojakäär, Kappel, Vaikmaa, and Randalu. Sitting just as harmoniously alongside them are Hedvig’s own compositions: "Me sügavam sisu" (set to lyrics by Ernst Enno), "Kui kaua veel," and "Valge lumi lange mu peale" (both with lyrics by Hanson herself).

The result is remarkably consistent. Hanson and her musical and life partner, guitarist Andre Maaker, share an amazing rapport and musical synergy, lending the entire album a smooth - gperhaps even slightly too safe - quality.

In addition to Hanson and Maaker, significant contributions to the album’s creation were made by Kristjan Randalu (piano), Ara Yaralyan (double bass), Ahto Abner (drums), Abdissa "Mamba" Assega (percussion), Jukka Eskola (flugelhorn, trumpet), and Siim Aimla (saxophone, flute). The sound is flawless - smooth and fluid.

The album's title track is actually well-known to many Estonians from the repertoire of the band Rock Hotel; it was written by the group's own Margus Kappel and Heigo Mirka. In the interpretation by Hanson and her friends, however, the song takes on a whole new meaning and flow: "How can you say that life is endless torment, when you have someone to think of, someone to place your hope in?"

Beautiful - exquisitely beautiful - and a fitting description for both the Hedvig Hanson phenomenon and the album itself.

"Kohtumistund" is likely one of the best Estonian jazz albums of the year. I highly recommend it, though if you decide to listen to it alone during the Christmas season, be sure to have plenty of soft tissues on hand to wipe away the sparkling tears of longing that might fall. Some songs are real tear-jerkers, but oh, so beautiful.