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Ryoko Nuruki has followed up her official debut album with a new single, "Tu M'as dit que," a magnetic piece that combines striking vocals with an intimate, breezy jazz vibe. The record captures an atmosphere of quiet desperation and tender storytelling as every note feels just as much a hushed whisper passed under muted, colourful light.
"Tu M'as dit que" brings forth an amalgamation of memory and fresh vibes. Light but luxurious, the socks of jazz piano chords slide within numerous knitting stitches stroked by whispery brush drums and understated upright bass lines throbbing underneath Ryoko's voice, like a heart skipping a beat. This is the stripped bare simplicity that allows the emotion of the track to shine through, one where openness and power can coexist in a single realm.
Ryoko's vocal delivery is soft yet determined, and she navigates the French-language lyrics with a certain elegance that conveys a sense of intimacy and proximity to the narrative. And the way her lines are set up, it feels as though I'm talking to a confidante or mother. From the first listen, it's apparent that Art School Jocks bring something very human to their sound, reaching a level of intimacy that sounds more like receiving a dialogue than music. "Tu M'as dit que" trades in it too, there are no hard-hitting solos or climactic crescendos. Instead, it delights in the more delicate touches. Ryoko's melody ebbs and flows like that of gentle waves, a piano note hangs an instant longer than anticipated before falling back with a soft sigh, itself matched by drums lightly brushed to mimic the cadence of introspective heartbeats. This is music that breathes, in which silence forms visible areas for contemplation.
If you enjoy moody, storytelling-centric contemporary jazz, Ryoko Nuruki's "Tu M'as dit que" is a must for the playlist. Piano ballads, reimagined classics, and gospel-tinged soul round out this impeccable reflection of both the singer-songwriter tradition and jazz sensibilities. It opens a window that shows how far the music of jazz can still go with nothing more than an impactful lyric and a few notable changes.
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