Lucia Cadotsch's Speak Low II album is one of 2020's most praised jazz albums, with this playlist from Cadotsch highlighting the album's inspirations.

Dovile Sermokas

The second album from Swiss vocalist Lucia Cadotsch Speak Low II can definitely be filed under the ‘happening’ and ‘breakthrough’ records category of 2020. Already afforded the prestigious accolade of The Guardian’s Jazz album of the month, Speak Low II not only captures Cadotsch’s spiritual yet calming vocal tones in full bloom but brings a sense of fluid improvisation in the the form of her band consisting of two Swedes, Otis Sandsjö (tenor saxophone) and Petter Eldh (double bass.)

Speak Low II is a record of interpretation, tracks penned by the likes of Duke Ellington, Brian Eno, Randy Newman, Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht (amongst others) are given a new, contemporary lick of paint. Improvisation may suggest a record that’s hard to get close to, but what makes Speak Low II special is the accessibility the trio bring to these takes, stretching the songs into new shapes but never blunting their immediacy or reach.

Cadotsch’s playlist focuses on the original recordings and live takes that worked as inspiration for Speak Low II. “On this playlist you’ll find the bones and body parts that we assembled into Speak Low II – our Frankenstein monster.” comments Cadotsch.
Enjoy.