Natalie Cressman may best be known as the trombonist in the Trey Anastasio Band, but, well, Trey wouldn’t have chosen Ms. Cressman if she wasn’t an expert musician. Born into a musical family, the accomplished singer/songwriter/trombonist displays her virtuosity on Turn the Sea, her second solo release.

While Cressman’s first album, Unfolding, was steeped in Cressman’s instrumental jazz roots, Turn the Sea showcases her many musical talents. Perhaps Cressman’s greatest triumph on the album is her compositional skills. Songs flow seamlessly through diverse musical influences and themes, each woven together by a particular, song-defining ambiance. Whether it’s the somber “Fortune’s Fool,” the optimistic “New Moon,” or the haunting “Winter Chill,” Turn the Sea is undoubtedly expressive jazz music.

The most striking feature of this music is Cressman’s vocals. Those familiar with TAB mostly know Natalie Cressman as a trombonist, but, on Turn the Sea, Cressman’s refined voice leads on every track. Her vocals are particularly prominent on the Bon Iver cover, “Blindsided,” where overdubs and vocal loops allow Cressman to single-handedly (single-vocaledly?) to elevate the middle section of the song to a climactic, energetic peak.

The album is interestingly bookended with different versions of the title track. Turn the Sea opens onto a funk-laden bass melody, accompanied by trumpets and, subsequently, Cressman’s smooth vocals. The dreamlike song floats into a rich trombone solo before adeptly shifting back into another dreamy verse.

The whole song is turned on it head, however, at the end of the album. A remix of “Turn the Sea” by JNTHN STEIN, the producer alter-ego of the band’s bassist, adds drum machines and synthesizers, yet maintains the trumpet and bass elements. With a unique style, the recreation stands out from the rest of the album, serving to add yet another style to Cressman’s diverse list of influences.

Turn The Sea is sophisticated yet smooth, with slick bass-lines, smooth guitar tones, and fluttering flute melodies accompanying each song. The songs glide with a distinguished sense of authority. It’s a real treat for your ears.

The album was released on March 11th, and the NYC release party will be at Joe’s Pub on March 30th, so go see this amazing music performed live!

-David Melamed (@DMelamz)