This Friday, June 26, was no ordinary day for Cécile Mc Lorin Salvant, the American-French-Haitian singer who grew up in Miami. Her brand-new album, titled With Every Breath I Take, was released on the same day. And here’s the bonus: she didn’t know it at the start of the evening, but the International Jazz Festival was going to present her with the Ella Fitzgerald Award, which honors a singer who has distinguished themselves on the international stage.
Incidentally, the concert opened with the title track from the new album. However, while the album was recorded with the Metropol Orchestra under the direction of conductor Jules Buckley, we were treated to a more intimate version. Right from the start, the trio accompanying Cécile—pianist and keyboardist Sullivan Fortner, double bassist Yashushi Nakamura, and drummer Kyle Poole—demonstrated their great skill and extraordinary musical sensitivity.
Ms. McLorin Salvant immediately set the mood, showcasing her mind-blowing vocal range, yet always with subtlety and restraint. At times, her voice bursts forth, but never excessively. Immediately afterward, she returns to calm, to a whisper. Above all, she displays consummate eclecticism and a most contagious curiosity.
After that first stop, we already felt like we were on our way to paradise. And off we went! It was a journey full of wonders and surprises.
After that musical number, we were treated to a track from Oh Snap, his most experimental album, featuring plenty of synthesizers and electronic drums. Then we were transported into the world of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, the famous German creators of The Threepenny Opera from the 1930s. Next came an unrecognizable version of “Until,” a Sting song lost amid the feverish improvisation of his highly versatile trio.
Since the beginning of the concert, she had spoken to the audience only in English. Just when I was beginning to think she was in denial about her French-speaking roots, she switched to French to perform three songs in a row in our language. A piece of early music, which she learned at the Aix-en-Provence Conservatory, showcased her classical vocal skills, with subtle jazz-inspired touches. A wild rendition of Charles Trenet’s “La route enchantée,” featuring synthesizers and vocal flourishes. Finally, a masterful performance of Jacques Brel’s “Ne me quitte pas.”
Cécile McLorin Salvant wrapped up her performance with a medley that began with the song “Oh Snap” (2025) and ended with “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer, the queen of disco.
We had arrived at our destination: musical paradise. Then came the presentation of the Ella Fitzgerald Award, and we were treated to three encores, the most surprising of which was “a song my parents made me sing when I was a child, but one I’ve come to love,” Cécile told us.
She sang “Stone” from *Starmania*. What a surprise!
This free-spirited and daring woman never ceases to surprise us. Did you know she also sings in Spanish? We’ll save that for next time. Until then, check out her extensive discography, including her brand-new album, With Every Breath I Take.
Crédit photo: Victor Diaz Lamich
