Gretchen Parlato's 'The Wise Ones' Reviewed: A Masterclass in Vocal Artistry and Genre Blending

Gretchen Parlato, the acclaimed Los Angeles-born vocalist, has released her latest album, 'The Wise Ones,' which is drawing significant praise for its sophisticated artistry and diverse musical palette. Parlato first emerged onto the international jazz scene in the 2000s, quickly establishing a reputation for her distinctive and highly personal vocal approach. A defining early moment that showcased her unique talent was her spellbinding rendition of Herbie Hancock's "Butterfly." This performance, often cited as a benchmark of her early career, masterfully built atmosphere through a minimalist approach. It began with a profound onstage silence, punctuated only by Parlato's subtle handclap on a Brazilian-infused groove. Her vocal delivery then evolved into a wordless hook, before embracing the poignant, natural-world-inspired lyrics penned by Hancock's sister, Jean. Parlato's signature technique of timing phrases between deliberate, emphatic in-breaths, likened to the percussive impact of cymbal hits, and her ability to arrestingly morph words into abstract sonic textures, were on full display, earning her widespread acclaim.

'The Wise Ones' marks Parlato's third album since her return to recording in 2021, following a six-year hiatus dedicated to raising her family. This period of absence has seemingly infused her music with a renewed depth and focus. The album features a core ensemble of her long-standing and trusted musical partners. These include the virtuosic guitarist Lionel Loueke, known for his unique blend of African, jazz, and rock influences; the multi-instrumentalist Alan Hampton, whose contributions bridge folk-rock and jazz sensibilities; and Parlato's husband, the highly regarded percussionist Mark Guiliana. The sonic landscape of 'The Wise Ones' is further enriched by an impressive roster of guest artists, including the Grammy-winning pianist Robert Glasper, the influential bassist and vocalist Meshell Ndegeocello, and the gifted singer-songwriter Becca Stevens. These collaborations underscore the album's ambition and the high regard in which Parlato is held within the contemporary music community.

The review specifically commends Parlato's "immaculate phrasing," a hallmark of her style, which she applies with remarkable dexterity across a broad spectrum of musical genres. 'The Wise Ones' ventures into the realms of soft funk and incorporates tracks designed for the dancefloor, demonstrating Parlato's versatility beyond traditional jazz. Furthermore, the album features interpretations of beloved songs by iconic artists, including Stevie Wonder and the British pop-rock band Tears for Fears. These cover versions highlight Parlato's ability to reimagine familiar material through her distinctive vocal lens, adapting her nuanced delivery to suit diverse artistic origins and genres. This eclectic fusion of original compositions and carefully chosen covers, all brought to life by a stellar lineup of musicians, firmly positions 'The Wise Ones' as a significant and compelling release in the current landscape of vocal jazz and contemporary music.