If You Need Convincing

Amber Navran “Lastaya Love”

Amber Navran’s performance on “Lastaya Love” – not just her vocals, but apparently on every instrument in the arrangement – conveys a gentle, confident serenity that brings to mind Erykah Badu at her most graceful. It’s neo-soul, but with a touch of cosmic jazz to bring out unexpected textures and harmonies. Navran is singing about holding on to dignity and knowing when to walk away from a dead relationship, and her vocal gets across that sort of resolute clarity, but also the raw vulnerable emotion beneath it. When her saxophone solo comes in at the end, it’s a signal of freedom and relief.

Buy it from Bandcamp.