Stacey Kent is a celebrated jazz vocalist known for her velvety voice, impeccable phrasing, and multilingual repertoire. With a career spanning decades, she has garnered a dedicated following worldwide, thanks to her ability to blend American jazz, bossa nova, and French chanson seamlessly. Her collaborations with husband and saxophonist Jim Tomlinson have produced some of the most elegant and emotionally resonant jazz recordings of the modern era. Kent’s ability to interpret classic standards with fresh nuance, along with her original compositions, has solidified her place as one of contemporary jazz’s most distinctive voices.

Stacey Kent has long been a beacon of elegance in contemporary jazz, enchanting listeners with her delicate phrasing, emotive interpretations, and a voice that feels like a warm embrace. With Summer Me, Winter Me, she delivers yet another masterclass in storytelling, weaving a tapestry of nostalgia, romance, and introspection. This album, a collection of carefully curated standards alongside original compositions, captures the essence of Kent’s artistry: intimate, expressive, and effortlessly refined.

Stacey Kent – Summer me, Winter me
Stacey Kent’s latest album features a collection of songs she has performed live over the years but never previously recorded in the studio. Over the course of several sessions, she put together a selection of 13 tracks, including compositions by Michel Legrand and Jacques Brel, three original pieces written by her longtime collaborator and husband Jim Tomlinson in partnership with Kazuo Ishiguro and Cliff Goldmacher, along with two beloved jazz standards and a classic from Antônio Carlos Jobim. 

Tomlinson showcases his versatility by playing tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet, guitar, percussion, and keyboards, while Stacey’s vocals remain as distinctive, captivating, and heartfelt as ever.

The album kicks off with an irresistibly rendition of Summer Me, Winter Me, setting an upbeat and joyful tone. he melody navigates with effortless grace, bringing warmth and vibrancy to the tune’s lively swing. 

Her take on La Valse des Lilas unfolds beautifully, introduced by a haunting saxophone solo before her voice enters, filled with wistful charm in the song Under Paris Skies with English lyrics by Kim Gannon, embraces a playful swing feel, highlighted by a standout bass performance from Tom Hubbard. 

Including Jacques Brel’s Ne Me Quitte Pas on any album is always a bold move, given its deep emotional weight. However, the adaptation If You Go Away with a delicate string arrangement adds a tender, yet an emotional depth to the set. She reserves the original French version for the album’s closing track, creating a full-circle moment of introspection.

Kent makes a sharp yet refreshing shift with Happy Talk, a lighthearted and carefree interpretation that provides a welcome contrast. 

Show Me follows, featuring a clever time signature change that adds a playful complexity. Art Hirahara, who accompanies her on piano throughout most of the album, delivers particularly inventive playing on Corcovado. lending it a unique and almost unrestrained energy while maintaining a sense of subtlety. 

Tomlinson’s arrangements throughout the album further elevate the performances, striking a balance between sophistication and warmth.

Thinking About the Rain is an emotionally raw piece, with expressive delivery capturing the longing in lyrics: “If life changes like the weather, I might be with you again. And that’s why I’m still thinking about the rain.” 

Another standout is A Song That Isn’t Finished Yet, a ballad filled with late-night inner reflection. Meanwhile, Postcard Lovers, is a masterpiece that perfectly complements her pure and effortless vocal style.

Final Thoughts
Summer Me, Winter Me,  is more than just an album. It’s an experience, a musical journey through shifting seasons of love, loss, and longing. Stacey Kent’s exquisite vocals, paired with masterful arrangements, make this record a must-have for jazz lovers. Whether you’re enjoying it with a glass of wine on a quiet evening or letting it accompany a lazy Sunday morning, this album wraps around you like a cherished memory, timeless and comforting.

Track list