Afra Kane – Hypersensitive Review

Afra Kane is the 2018 winner of the Montreux Jazz Talent Award (with Stanley Clarke, Chilly Gonzales, and Chucho Valdés on the jury) that represents a great variety of musical and cultural backgrounds. Kane is an Italian pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer with a soulful and powerful voice that brings her jazz sensibilities to the world of R&B. Born to Nigerian parents in Vicenza, Kane was captivated by the music of Chopin even before she was a teenager. While studying at the conservatory of her hometown, she also discovered Etta James, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin.

Afra Kane is releasing Hypersensitive, on which she takes us on a musical journey of self-discovery and self-healing with a unique style of the jazz-inflected soul with hints of classical music as well as Nigerian gospel. Kane says, “In classical music, the focus was on faultless interpretation. With soul music, I was able to express my feelings without in any way having to think of technique. But it was in Switzerland that I very quickly found open-minded musicians who enjoyed playing with me and appreciated my music. They gave me confidence. I realised that I didn’t have to allow them to stick me in a certain box. I could be the musician I wanted to be.”

“Building” is the opening song. Instantly, Kane’s warm vocal sound is endearing, and her jazz-influenced R&B embellishments to the melody are lovely. No, auto-tune, just pure talent. Kane’s use of backing vocals is exciting and colorful. The focus is on her vocals as the instruments are balanced in the mix and in their support of Kane’s multiple layers of vocals.

“River” has elements of gospel and Africa interlaced within the R&B feel. In addition to singing, Kane also plays piano and synths throughout the album. Guitarist Emilio Vidal performs a catchy figure that grounds the groove with clear guitar sounds. Joining Kane within the backing vocals are Pauline Maurer and Marie Fontannaz. The song evolves with multiple layers of instruments and vocal parts entering to create beautiful counterpoints, colors, and harmonies. The harmony is static; the parts move through various rhythmic and layer densities that build interest. But, again, Kane’s voice is the focus, and she takes the lead with power and expressiveness.

Hypersensitiverepresents a collection of soul and R&B songs with jazz-influenced concepts. Kane’s songs bounce enthusiastically, and her singing is wonderfully focused upon during each selection. This feel-good soul album runs the gamut between soul and R&B.