Scottish jazz singer-songwriter Lorna Reid returns with I Will Tell Your Story, an album that not only cements her place as a powerhouse in the contemporary jazz scene but also serves as a love letter to the genre’s timeless elegance. Released on February 20, 2025, this 11-track journey blends jazz, blues, and soul, paying homage to the greats while carving out a space that is uniquely Reid’s own.
The title track, I Will Tell Your Story, sets the stage with its moody, cabaret-infused atmosphere. Reid’s signature smooth and sultry vocal delivery pairs perfectly with booming brass arrangements and the rich textures of backing vocalist Louise Clare Marshall. It’s a song that feels as though it could have been lifted straight from a 1960s jazz lounge but polished with the finesse of modern production. The track captures the album’s essence—a seamless blend of nostalgia and contemporary sophistication.
From the first note, I Will Tell Your Story establishes itself as an album that doesn’t just explore jazz—it fully inhabits it. Whether embracing the slow-burning allure of a bluesy ballad or the energetic swing of an up-tempo groove, Reid moves effortlessly through styles with a confidence that makes each track shine.
One of the album’s greatest strengths is its range. While jazz remains its foundation, Reid embraces the full spectrum of the genre’s emotional and musical possibilities. The previously released single Sweet Baby Blues is a standout, oozing with sultry blues charm and showcasing Reid’s ability to inject warmth and storytelling into her songwriting.
The album benefits from a stellar supporting cast, including pianist Euan Stevenson, saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski, and Swedish multi-instrumentalist Gustaf Ljunggren, whose contributions bring depth and color to each arrangement. Boo Hewerdine, best known for his work with The Bible, serves as the album’s producer and Reid’s creative mentor, helping craft a record that feels both intimate and expansive.
It’s no surprise that Reid has been dubbed “Scotland’s Norah Jones” following her performance at the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Like Jones, she possesses the rare ability to make every song feel deeply personal, drawing listeners in with a voice that is equal parts smoky, soulful, and effortlessly expressive. Whether delivering a heart-wrenching ballad or a playful, swinging number, Reid’s vocals carry an emotional weight that lingers long after the music fades.
Tracks like Dappled Lightness, featuring Hewerdine on backing vocals, highlight the album’s introspective side, while moments of vibrant energy keep the pacing dynamic. Each song is meticulously crafted, and with mixing by Jon Kelly and mastering by Nick Watson at Fluid Mastering, the album sounds as lush and polished as its compositions deserve.
I Will Tell Your Story is more than just an album—it’s an experience. It’s a journey through the highs and lows of jazz, steeped in classic tradition yet infused with fresh artistry. Reid’s ability to balance sophistication with heartfelt emotion makes this a record that appeals to both jazz purists and contemporary music lovers alike.
With an impressive lineup of musicians, impeccable production, and Reid’s undeniable vocal prowess, I Will Tell Your Story is a standout release that solidifies her place as one of Scotland’s most captivating jazz artists. This is an album that doesn’t just tell a story—it invites you to feel every note, every lyric, and every moment of its beautifully crafted world.
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