Celebrated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon, a seven-time Grammy nominee, is embracing a new creative direction with her latest album, Beneath the Skin. Known for her stunning interpretations of jazz standards, Freelon is stepping into the spotlight as a composer and storyteller, delivering nine original songs out of the album’s ten tracks. This departure from tradition marks a bold new chapter in her career.
“This is new stories, new observations, brand new music that I’m presenting,” Freelon shared, according to NewsBreak. “Usually jazz singers cover other people’s music—the standard repertoire, the Broadway songbook, the American Songbook. This is different because these are my stories, and I’m super excited about that big departure for me.”
Beneath the Skin delves into deeply personal themes, including loss and resilience. One standout track, “Widow Song,” reflects on Freelon’s journey through grief following the death of her husband, renowned architect Phil Freelon. “How can I not sing about that?” she reflected. “The song is a question song… I think I’m voicing a question that a lot of widows ask, but no song has been written to reflect that reality.”
The album also draws from the jazz community’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Freelon noted how the pandemic changed the way people connect, with many longing for in-person experiences after years of virtual events. “People are really wanting to be in community again,” she said.
To celebrate the album’s release, Freelon will embark on the Beneath the Skin Tour, kicking off on March 21 at Dizzy’s Club in New York City. The tour will include stops at renowned venues such as the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts and the Smith Center in Las Vegas. Fans can look forward to hearing Freelon’s powerful new stories live.