For inspiration for her new album, Currency of Man, Melody Gardot mines the history of smooth jazz, most notably the late '60s and early '70s, to bring us an LP that is both timeless and contemporary.

This is Gardot's fourth studio album and a dramatic departure, showing how she's not afraid to grow and expand her talent as she shifts pace and reinvents herself. It's a bold move, and one that pays off incredibly well. The new album, which contains 10 tracks (48 min, 45 sec), is diverse enough to ensure that there's plenty here for everyone to appreciate.

‎The cinematic orchestrations are arranged by Clément Ducol, while the horns are arranged by Jerry Hey. I mention these, because both elements really stand out on this album.

The most political song here is ‘Preacher Man’, which echoes the story of Emmett Till, a black teenager in 1950s America, whose racially motivated murder marked a landmark moment in the Civil Rights movement.

While I really enjoyed this album, I have to admit that I totally loved the beautiful closing track 'Once I Was Loved'. Gardot's vocal's are beautifully complimented by the piano and orchestra. The end result is truly a timeless masterpiece.

9

Nick Smithson