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Eva Schubert: Hot Damn Romance

By Paul Naser
November 13, 2019
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Those looking for a chanteuse in the jazz tradition often have limited options outside of legends such as

Ella Fitzgerald

vocals
1917 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Ella Fitzgerald,

Billie Holiday

vocals
1915 - 1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Billie Holiday and

Sarah Vaughan

vocals
1924 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Sarah Vaughan or more contemporary stars like

Diana Krall

piano and vocals
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Diana Krall or

Jazzmeia Horn

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Jazzmeia Horn; if they are looking for original music, more often than not they're out of luck. So, fans of the style may be interested to learn about

" data-original-title="" title="">Eva Schubert. The Vancouver-based singer-songwriter leans heavily on jazz influences while also embracing funk and soul. She also writes her own songs, citing influences such as

Etta James

vocals
1938 - 2012

" data-original-title="" title="">Etta James and

Leonard Cohen

vocals
1934 - 2016

" data-original-title="" title="">Leonard Cohen among others.

Schubert's latest release, Hot Damn Romance (Self Produced, 2019), is a five-track EP described as a "love letter to old school jazz." Fittingly, most of the songs swing and feature fine playing from her rhythm section and soulful solos from guitarist Michael Kavalerchik and trumpet/flugelhorn player

Alexander Brown

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Alexander Brown. The title track even features some scatting from Schubert herself, though a little more grit and a little less reverb may have added some character to her performance.

It is songs like "Water," though, that really shine. Here Schubert's poetic lyrics find a home in evocative accompaniment that calls to mind some of

Joni Mitchell

vocals
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Joni Mitchell's later recordings. Her warm soulful alto is reminiscent of

Sade

vocals
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Sade and her artful use of straight tone and occasional vibrato showcase her vocal control. This is far from all she is capable of, though. On tunes that swing, such as "Flying High," Schubert's tone and use of vibrato could be a subtle nod to the inimitable

Abbey Lincoln

vocals
1930 - 2010

" data-original-title="" title="">Abbey Lincoln and, on the funky single "Brawler," she takes rhythmic and melodic liberties which show off her bluesy influences.

Schubert's smooth and sultry aesthetic will be sure to delight fans of Diana Krall or Sade, and the mix of swing and funk will go over well with fans of smooth jazz.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Flying High; Brawler; Hot Damn Romance; Sweet Man; Water

Personnel

Eva Schubert

vocals

Eva Schubert: Vocals; Michael Kavalerchik: guitar; Alexander Brown: trumpet, flugelhorn; Bryant Didier: Bass; Mark Hundervad: Drums

Album information

Title: Hot Damn Romance | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Self Produced

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