Lauren Henderson – Sonidos (Brontosaurus Records, 2025)
Lauren Henderson’s Sonidos is a refined, elegant and seasonally framed exploration of sound, identity, and cultural lineage. Rooted in the musical traditions of the African diaspora and Latin America, the album mixes original compositions with select standards. Henderson’s voice remains central throughout the recording. Notably, she sings in Spanish and English, supported by a cohesive ensemble of Grammy-winning collaborators and leading figures in Black American Music.
Her take on “On the Street Where You Live” opens with an intimate vocal-bass exchange before expanding into a buoyant, superb vibraphone-colored swing.
“Bold” pays homage to hard bop with its propulsive rhythm section and defiant lyricism. Piano, vibraphone, and drums interact fluidly beneath Henderson’s assertive vocals.
“Luna” draws from both Latin jazz and western classical traditions, with a waltz tempo and lush harmonic palette.
“Vida” celebrates Afro-Caribbean rhythms and jazz phrasing with warmth and charm.
“Flight” introduces a lilting waltz marked by harmonic uplift and lyrical hopefulness. Here you’ll find graceful interplay among vibraphone, piano, and drums.
“Sounds” intertwines jazz and R&B with gospel and Latin inflections.
“La Llegada” draws on Afro-Latin traditions. It celebrates emancipation and cultural pride.
“Sonidos,” the album’s title track, features alluring vocals in Spanish and elegant vibraphone along with Latin Jazz influences.
Lauren Henderson, music, lyrics, arrangements, producer.