Youn Sun Nah / Jon Cowherd - Elles

Elles is the new album from award-winning jazz vocalist Youn Sun Nah.

Youn Sun Nah has long been celebrated for her cross-stylistic interpretations of artists ranging from Tom Waits and Jimi Hendrix to Marvin Gaye and Metallica. With Elles she now brings her unmistakable voice and unique perspective to a series of songs that have shaped her own hard-to-describe musical approach and gained fame through artists such as Björk, Sarah Vaughan, Grace Jones, Roberta Flack, Edith Piaf, Grace Slick, Maria João. The album kicks off with "Feeling Good", originally written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newly, but entirely inspired by Nina Simone's groundbreaking 1965 rendition.

"I first heard Nina Simone's version of 'Feeling Good' when I was in high school," says Youn Sun Nah. "From the moment I decided to study jazz, I listened to her music all the time. Nina Simone is like a shaman. She's not just a singer - she herself is the music."

"Elles" was recorded earlier this year in New York City with renowned pianist Jon Cowherd (Brian Blade, Cassandra Wilson, Lizz Wright) and producer/musician Tomek Miernowski and includes a wide range of songs either written or interpreted by notable female artists, from soulful spirituals ('Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child") and psychedelic milestones ('White Rabbit") to long overdue versions of 'My Funny Valentine" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song" (the latter performed only with a lovingly guarded music box). Backed by Cowherd's subtle yet inventive accompaniment on a variety of keyboards, Youn Sun Nah reinterprets old and new standards in her usual ravishing manner, crossing any boundaries between genders and generations with magical urgency.

"I've noticed that most of the songs I've recorded over the years have been by male singers," says Youn Sun Nah. "So this time I wanted to honor the female singers I've admired for a long time, the songs that move me and the voices that touch me."

Heavyweight vinyl produced by Warner Music in 2024. 

TRACKLISTING:

1. Feeling Good
2. Cocoon
3. I've Seen That Face Before
4. My Funny Valentine
5. White Rabbit
6. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
7. Baltimore Oriole
8. Coisas Da Terra
9. La Foule
10. Killing Me Softly With His Song