Lauren Henderson – Sombras (Brontosaurus Records, 2024)
Lauren Henderson’s latest album, Sombras (Brontosaurus Records, 2024), is a profound exploration of cultural heritage and its indelible mark on identity and artistry. With family roots in Panama, Montserrat, and the broader Caribbean, while growing up in North America, Henderson delves deep into the ways in which ancestry shapes individuality. Through her original compositions, she deftly contrasts the shadows of ancestry (“Sombras,” Spanish for “Shadows”) with the visible self, crafting a metaphorical and musical journey that is both introspective and expansive.
The music on “Sombras” is an exquisite mix of contemporary jazz interwoven with neosoul and grooves from the Spanish Caribbean. Henderson’s intimate, seductive vocals create an entrancing dialog with the creative acoustic bass lines, the elegant piano flourishes, the mesmerizing vibraphone, and the subtle yet effective percussion. The lyrics, delivered in both English and Spanish, beautifully symbolize Henderson’s cultural fusion and the seamless integration of her diverse roots.
The album opens with “Fuego” (“Fire”), where Henderson’s call-and-response style sets the stage ablaze, igniting the thematic passion that runs through the entire project.
As listeners journey through tracks like “Illumination” and the titular “Sombras,” they are treated to motifs that culminate in the evocative “Shadows,” providing a cohesive and emotionally rich narrative.
The stellar combo includes Joel Ross on vibraphone; Sean Mason on piano; Jonathan Michel on bass; and Joe Dyson on drums and percussion.
Buy Sombras.