April is the Coolest Sound

 

Photo: Desmond White

Every once in a while, you receive a recording and you say "how have I missed this artist? – surely this is not her first album".  As far as I can tell, April Varner, a native of Toledo, Ohio, is a true newcomer. Yes, she won the 2023 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition and before that had self-released a 4-song EP, "Hummingbird", in 2022 but, for the most, she's been flying under the "critical" radar.  Her bio reads that it wasn't until she attended Indiana University that began Ms. Varner made her transition to jazz.  Soon, she was the head of the IU vocal jazz ensemble and in her senior year, became the vocalist in the Du Vido Septet, the IU Brazilian Jazz ensemble.  After graduation, Ms. Varner moved to New York City where in 2022, she earned her Master's Degree in Vocal Jazz Voice Performance under the tutelage of Theo Bleckmann. Since then, she has studied with Tierney Sutton, Kurt Elling, Russell Malone, and Sachal Vasandani (among others) as well as performing in clubs and concert venues around the United States and in venues in France.

"April by April Varner" (Cellar Music) is her first album. Produced by Ulysses Owens II, not only does the 11-song program cover a lot of musical territory but also does so with each song having "April" in its title. The really smart idea works because of her choice of material. Yes, there are standards, such as "I'll Remember April" and "April In Paris" but there are also several originals.  Her choice of covers range from Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel's "April Come She Will" to Prince's "Sometimes It Snows In April" to Glen D. Hardin's "April Again" (first recorded by Dean Martin!) to her original lyrics to Pat Metheny's "Joy Of April".  Ms. Varner joins voices with Theo Bleckmann on an emotionally rich reading of Frank Ocean's "Dear April".  Not only do the the two voices interact but Bleckmann, who is the co-producer on the track, overdubs numerous voic es that serve as a chorus, as counterpoint, and as whispers in the distance. 

As important as the material is, the excellent musicians who support her throughout the majority of the songs are just as integral to the album's success. Pianist Caelan Cardello, bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Miguel Russell are not just her "backup band" but also key contributors to the success of the performances. They lay down a "wicked" Latin rhythm on "I'll Remember April" which also includes Dayna Stephens (tenor saxophone) and Bennie Benack III (trumpet).  In the middle of the song, Ms. Varner and Mr. Benack III step out for a vocal exchange that's a rapid-fire scat interaction. Listen below to Mr. Metheny's "Joy of April" which features her trio plus one of her mentors, Russell Malone on guitar.  Note how high and clear she sings through her lyrics – always clearly, never strident – and her "solo" is the middle is a joy, as is the fine tenor solo from Mr. Stephens.  Ms. Varner caresses Prince's lyrics on the sad elegy "Sometimes It Snows In April": the rhythm section is right there with her. Russell's gentle cymbal work, Rogers' melodic bass work, and Cardello doing double on acoustic and electric guitar. Their sterling accompaniment gives Ms. Varner the right support so her soulful, emotional, vocal stands out.

The album closes like it began, with a fine original from the leader. "Who Let April Back In My Dreams" rains down on the listener like a gentle Spring shower.  The voice draws you into the story, into the dream of unrequited love, and the music helps you settle.  It's a smart close to a splendid debut.

"April by April Varner" should introduce the fine young singer and composer to a wider audience.  Don't be put off by the 11 "April" songs: embrace the fact that each song is a universe of delights in itself. Also note that April Varner has a lovely, lively, voice that never sounds like anyone but herself.  You might hear some Ella, perhaps Sarah Vaughan, and, on the Frank Ocean tune, hints of Sachal Vasandani in her delivery, but it all gets mixed in seamlessly. This is quite a delightful album and one hopes for many more over the decades!

For more information, go to https://aprilvarner.com/. To hear more and purchase the album, go to  https://aprilvarner.bandcamp.com/album/april. 

Listen here to the "Joy of April":