EMMA SMITH

BITTER ORANGE

La Reserve Records

Emma Smith, vocals; Jamie Safir, piano; Conor Chaplin, double bass; Luke Tomlinson, drums.

“This album is my space to play with the juxtaposition of bitter and sweet, the humor and heartbreak that punctuate my life – the ups and downs, the wins and the losses,” Emma Smith writes in her press package.

This vocalist was raised in a musically-rich family.  Her mother played saxophone for Leonard Bernstein and Paul Weller.  Her father was an orchestrator commissioned by R&B group like The Three Degrees and Herb Miller (brother of Glenn Miller). However, it was her grandfather, Chris Smith Sr., a celebrated trombonist, who was her greatest influence. He performed with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Oscar Peterson and Barbra Streisand.

“He never skipped a day’s practice. He taught me that you’re only as good as your last gig,” she recalls.

Emma Smith sings with gusto and bravado.  She is a powerhouse vocalist who reminds me of the same energy exuded from Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli when they perform. Emma Smith propels her lyrics with dramatic excitement, like on her opening tune asserting, “Hey World, Here I am.”

Based in the UK, Smith won the 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Vocalist of the Year award.  The year before that, she was a finalist in the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition. She was the only non-U.S. singer in the top five.  Emma spent four years as a program host for ‘Jazz Now’ a BBC Radio show.

She makes jazzy tunes like “Frim Fram Sauce” her own, with Jamir Safir’s unique arrangement that plays with time and supports her energetic delivery.  I hear shades of Nancy Wilson hiding inside a few of her vocal tones during this tune. At the end of this tune, she shows the listener she is also a capable scat-singer.

She pulls her repertoire from popular tunes like Diana Krall’s “Frim Fram Sauce” to solid, historic classics like Cole Porter’s “Make It Another Old Fashioned, Please.”

She swings the familiar Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim tune, “Tonight” and Safir makes a solo statement on piano.  Chaplin walks his double bass with determination, locking in with Luke Tomlinson’s drums.  Emma Smith sings “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” with great emotion.  She is absolutely enchanting during this song.

Smith delivers every song with guts, believability and often, sincere elegance. The single original song, penned by this vocalist and her pianist, (Jamie Safir), is well-written with delightful lyrics. It’s called “What Took You So Long?”

Her album shows Smith’s vulnerability, her charming love of performing, and her dynamic voice that she uses to the maximum of her abilities. This album introduces American audiences to Emma Smith.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

 

BUY NOW

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included