If this were a wine review, the tasting notes would suggest hints of Stacey, Kent, Melody Gardot, Madeleine Peyroux and Joni Mitchell. I say that not by way of criticism but as a compliment to someone so young, sounding so mature. Despite the comparisons, this is a fresh and innovative album.
The music is hardly mainstream jazz, but there are sufficient (albeit subtle) hints of jazz to get it over the line. I suspect Blackwood would be comfortable on any stage she found herself on. The music is sharp, upbeat and witty, but with enough political and personal bite to make you realise that she is no lightweight when it comes to storytelling.
Blackwood is a Newfoundland vocalist and saxophonist, and “good machine” is apparently a term used in her native province to suggest something that lasts a long time – “it might break down, but it never wears out”. With this new album, Blackwood looks at the working class of her native province in the same light, exploring how a person is valued for their productivity, and only celebrated once they are worn out for good.
She also explores our need for love, family and validation as individuals. This may seem a bit heavy as a theme, but it is executed with both finesse and style in much the same way that Joni Mitchell can do. Whilst vocally Blackwood may be closer to Gardot and Peyroux, as a songwriter she is certainly in step with Mitchell. Each song was written by Blackwood for a real person displaying what she describes as resilience and grit.
Apart from her strong vocals and songwriting, Blackwood is also a very good saxophonist, playing baritone saxophone with the indie-rock band The Burning Hell and tenor saxophone with the Jazz East Big Band Orchestra. She also plays piano, percussion, flute and clarinet.
The album is a delight. Fun and entertaining at one level, but worth a deeper dive into the lyrics to explore exactly where she is coming from. Blackwood is a rare talent in a world overfull with musicians. She has the talent to shine above the others and I hope she gets the breaks to do that. Highly recommended.
Discography
Who Is It For; Home To Me; Pleading Guilty; The Doctor; Good Machines; Melita; Happy Anniversary; Like Me Now; How Long; Women’s Lullaby (37.00)
Blackwood (v, ts, p); Ryan Kennedy (p, v); Nicole Hand (bar, as, v); Lauren Strong (t, v); Kellie Walsh (v); Amelia Curran (v); Lady Cove Women’s Choir (v); Catherine Tansley (tu); Bill Brennan (vib); Greg Bruce (cl); John Duff (tb); Duane Andrews (g); Humberto Piccoli (g); Dave Bridger (b); Jeff Foran (d, pc). M.O.T.H and LeCour Studios, Canada, dates unknown.
natashablackwood.com
