Album reviews | Debuts from Andréa Wood, Amy K. Bormet and the legendary Butch Warren -

Two of D.C.’s rising vocal talents, Andréa Wood and Amy K. Bormet, have just released strong debut albums. Then there’s Butch Warren: At 71, he too has just put out his first record as a leader. This living legend is finally getting the spotlight he deserves.

Butch Warren – French 5tet

Five decades after he toured the world with Thelonious Monk and recorded with just about everyone on the legendary 1960s hard-bop scene as Blue Note Records’ house bassist, Edward “Butch” Warren, Jr. finally has an album under his own name. It took another international tour for the D.C. native to get there.

Review: Butch Warren’s French 5tet

Amy K. Bormet – Striking

On her debut solo release, pianist and vocalist Amy K. Bormet blends elements that don’t often come together: Original songs that have a distinct pop sensibility mesh with considerable jazz chops. The project focuses on her vocals and compositions.

Review: Amy K. Bormet’s Striking

Andréa Wood – Dhyana

More and more these days, famous jazz vocalists are using innovation to reassert their conviction that the voice is a legitimate instrument. Andréa Wood, the newest vocal talent on the D.C. scene, is reaching for a similar place while defining a personal style.