For fans of innovative takes on traditional jazz sounds and instrumentation, the Spotted Cat has been the place to be for several years. This Thursday night, one of the city’s finest young singers celebrates the release of her fourth album with a free show from 6-10 PM.
Many people know Miss Sophie Lee in her role as one of the three restaurateurs behind the successful Frenchmen Street nightspot, Three Muses. Her singing career has taken off in tandem with her businesses, which also include an uptown location of Three Muses, opening soon, and Seoul Shack, which will feature Korean/Soul food and live music.
Traverse this Universe takes her music into a fresh direction from her traditional jazz roots. It features the cream of the crop of downtown musicians and reaches musically towards other genres including reggae, salsa, and swing.
For the show on Thursday night, she will feature her core band—Tommy Sciple on bass, Bart Ramsey on piano, Matt Johnson on guitar, and Dave Boswell on trumpet. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if some special guests show up considering the supporting cast on the new album.
It features six original compositions, several co-written with Earl J. Scioneaux III, and was produced by Luke Winslow-King who also co-wrote two of the tracks. Miss Lee’s songwriting really shines on this release particularly on the title track, which draws the listener into her compelling worldview.
Besides Miss Lee’s stellar vocal work and the strong production, she enlisted numerous well-known local musicians, many of whom back her at her weekly residency at The Spotted Cat. The guest players include Matt Bell on guitar, Aurora Nealand on clarinet, Matt Rhody on violin, and Khris Royal on sax. The album was recorded/mixed/mastered by the Grammy-nominated Misha Kachkachishvili at the renowned Esplanade Studios in New Orleans.
