Sweet Baby Blues – Streaming Link
Acclaimed jazz singer-songwriter Lorna Reid is set to enchant audiences once again with her upcoming album, I Will Tell Your Story. The first glimpse of this deeply personal project comes through its lead single, Sweet Baby Blues, released on November 23, 2024. Known for her sophisticated jazz-band stylings, Reid strips it back in Sweet Baby Blues, delivering an intimate blend of tender piano, a striking saxophone solo, and her evocative vocals.
The song’s origins reflect the depth of its emotion. Co-written with Darden Smith during a writer’s retreat at Moniack Mhor in the Scottish Highlands, Sweet Baby Blues captures the raw reflections of 2 a.m., a time Reid describes as “the witching hour for reflections and longing.” For Reid, the retreat’s breathtaking landscapes played a pivotal role in shaping the song’s emotional tone. “Moniack Mhor is a magical place. The landscape is so inspiring and regenerative, and somehow reaches into your soul and draws out your truth,” she says. Writing alongside Smith as the twilight hour set in gave the song its deeply melancholic yet warm late-night vibe.
A Life-Rich Album
Lorna Reid’s life experiences are at the heart of her songwriting, something that is profoundly felt throughout I Will Tell Your Story. Whether it’s hosting international students to learn about different cultures or her work as a coach, Reid brings a unique richness to her music. “I think it’s so important to avoid living in echo chambers and to learn from people who think differently from ourselves,” she shares. “As a writer, I’m highly permeable when it comes to emotions, and writing is how I process those thoughts and feelings. Maybe the songs are my way of giving back to the world. Once the writing leaves my pen or the song from my lips, it becomes everyone’s story.”
Reid balances her admiration for legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Joni Mitchell while maintaining her unique artistic voice. “I think of my musical style as being textured and influenced by legends but still retaining its unique voice. Each song has a distinct style within the genres of jazz, blues, and soul. When I write, I start with an idea based on an emotion, personal experience, or a story I’ve heard. Staying fresh creatively is so important to me.”
For example, the gothic tone of her song Where’s the Fire? was inspired by a visit to a Spanish cathedral. Reid’s creative process often begins with either a guitar or piano, allowing her to explore different textures and emotions before collaborating with other musicians.
An Album Born in the Heart of Scotland
The album was recorded across Scotland in studios like Castle Sounds Studio and Grans House, which provided the perfect atmosphere for creativity. Reid describes the rural settings as being integral to the recording process, fostering a sense of relaxation and lightness among the team. “The organic surroundings encouraged a sense of creativity and fluidity in the performances,” she explains. The talented musicians involved in the project, including saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski and pianist Euan Stevenson, brought Reid’s compositions to life. Producer Boo Hewerdine also played a key role, creating a relaxed environment that allowed the music to flow naturally.
Upcoming Live Shows
- Linlithgow Jazz Club – March 1
- Ayr Jazz Club – March 7
- Northwest Castle Jazz Weekend – October 10–12
Sweet Baby Blues is available now across all streaming platforms, offering a soulful prelude to the full album, which will be released in March 2025.
For More Information
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lornareidjazz/
Twitter: https://x.com/lornareidjazz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lornareidsings
Website: https://www.lornareid.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3N6pyd3IYJPgiUEpW1HU3o
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK0yohKPcd4