Karrin Allyson, A Kiss for Brazil Review

by Constance Tucker

When it comes to the art of vocal jazz, one of the names in the top ten must be Karrin Allyson. With a career that spans over three decades, Allyson has continually proven herself as a vocalist of unparalleled skill, particularly in her ability to convey melodies and deliver lyrics with pristine clarity. Her latest album, A Kiss for Brazil, released on May 17, 2024, under Origin Records, is another documentation of her vocal style and artistry. The album celebrates Brazilian music through Allyson’s vocal control, diction, and interpretation of some of the most beloved melodies in the Brazilian songbook.

From the opening notes of “Flor de Lis,” it is clear that Allyson approaches each phrase with the precision of a seasoned instrumentalist. Her vocal control is evident in how she effortlessly maneuvers through the song’s Brazilian rhythms and melody line, never allowing the technical demands of the piece to overshadow its emotional core. The samba groove that underpins the track provides a lively foundation, but it’s Allyson’s nuanced vocal delivery that truly brings the song to life.

“Month of March in Salvador (Dunas)” features Allyson in a duet with the legendary Rosa Passos. Here, Allyson’s diction is nothing short of impeccable. Singing in both English and Portuguese, she enunciates each word with crystalline clarity, allowing the lyrics to resonate fully with the listener. This is no small feat, particularly in a genre where the fluidity of the Portuguese language often challenges non-native speakers. However, Allyson, with her polyglot capabilities, handles the language gracefully and authentically, delivering a performance that feels effortless and deeply connected to the material.

Allyson’s interpretation of Jobim’s classic “O Grande Amor” exemplifies her ability to convey the subtle emotional nuances of a melody through her voice alone. The song’s lyrics, which speak of unfulfilled love, are delivered with a gentle, almost wistful quality that perfectly captures the melancholy inherent in the music. Allyson’s control over her vibrato and dynamics is particularly noteworthy here; she uses these tools sparingly but effectively, allowing the natural beauty of the melody to shine through without unnecessary embellishment.

Throughout A Kiss for Brazil, Allyson’s approach to melody is one of beauty and style; she never shies away from making the songs her own. On tracks like “The Island” and “So Many Stars,” she demonstrates a deep understanding of the melodic structures, subtly altering phrasing and timing to bring out new musical dimensions. Her interpretation is always informed by the composition’s melody, but she imbues each phrase with a fresh perspective.

One of the most identifiable aspects of Allyson’s vocal technique is her ability to maintain pitch and tone across a wide dynamic range. Her voice remains consistently pure and expressive, whether singing in a hushed whisper on “Only Trust Your Heart” or projecting with full force on the more upbeat numbers. This level of control results from years of dedication to her craft, and it’s a joy to hear it on full display in this album.

Moreover, Allyson’s diction throughout A Kiss for Brazil is exemplary. Each word is carefully articulated, ensuring that the lyrics are always clear and understandable, even when sung in Portuguese. This attention to detail enhances the overall impact of the album, as it allows the listener to fully engage with the stories and emotions conveyed in the songs. Her precise enunciation also complements the intricate rhythms and harmonies of the Brazilian music, making the album both a lyrical and musical delight.

In tracks like “Wave,” where the melody takes on a more expansive, almost cinematic quality, Allyson’s interpretation brings out the sweeping emotional scope of the piece. She plays with the rhythm, sometimes stretching a phrase just slightly to heighten the tension or resolve it in a way that feels both surprising and inevitable. This ability to shape a melody in real-time is one of Allyson’s greatest strengths, and it’s what makes her performances so captivating.

While A Kiss for Brazill is undoubtedly a celebration of Brazilian music, it is another angle of  Allyson’s vocal artistry. Her control over every aspect of her voice—pitch, tone, dynamics, diction, and interpretation—is intentional. Each track on this album is a study of how to approach a song with technical precision and emotional depth, making A Kiss for Brazil a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of vocal jazz.

This album offers a wealth of inspiration for those who appreciate the finer details of vocal performance. Karrin Allyson has brought her skills as a gifted interpreter of melodies to A Kiss for Brazil, which results in a rewarding listening experience.