Acclaimed jazz singer-songwriter Lorna Reid has announced her highly anticipated album I Will Tell Your Story, with its deeply moving lead single, Sweet Baby Blues. Known for her vibrant jazz band performances, Reid takes a more personal and tender approach with this track. Pairing delicate piano melodies with her rich, emotive vocals and a stunning saxophone solo, Sweet Baby Blues unfolds like a late-night reflection, capturing the bittersweet essence of longing at 2 a.m.
The song was co-written with Darden Smith during a creative retreat in the Highlands of Scotland. Reid recalls, “Darden and I clicked creatively when we wrote Sweet Baby Blues sitting outside on a warm summer’s evening at Moniak Mhor. There’s something magical about the collective experience of writing.” For Reid, performing the song always feels fresh and emotional. “It reconnects me to a bittersweet moment in my life. It’s raw, honest, and audiences love it no matter their musical tastes,” she shares.
Lorna Reid’s upcoming album I Will Tell Your Story, due in March 2025, is a collection of vivid musical narratives inspired by untold stories. Moving seamlessly between intimate ballads and rhythm-driven tracks, the album blends jazz, blues, and soul to reflect the emotional highs and lows of its muse. Reid draws from an eclectic mix of influences, from jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan to icons like Joni Mitchell, Quincy Jones, and even punk pioneers X-Ray Spex. This fusion of styles creates an album that defies categorization while paying homage to jazz’s timeless legacy.
Reid’s life is as diverse and colorful as her music. Beyond her career as a musician, she explores new ventures such as her Human Being Diet, coaching, and hosting foreign language students. These experiences, along with her love for storytelling, shape the richness of her artistry. Her genre-defying album Falling Like Dew (2013) broke classical jazz norms and earned her a coveted performance at the Made in the UK stage of the Rochester NY International Jazz Festival.
I Will Tell Your Story was recorded entirely in Scotland with the support of Creative Scotland, showcasing Reid’s commitment to local artistry. The lead single Sweet Baby Blues was recorded at Castle Sounds Studio in Pencaitland, while the rest of the album was brought to life across Grans House, Chem19, and Castle Sounds Studio. The album’s polished sound is thanks to Jon Kelly’s mixing and Nick Watson’s mastering, with production by Boo Hewerdine, Louise Clare Marshall, Gustaf Ljunggren, and Reid herself.
Featuring an all-star lineup of talented musicians, the album includes contributions from Euan Stevenson on piano, Konrad Wiszniewski on saxophone, Louise Clare Marshall on backing vocals, Angus Lyon on accordion and organ, Neil Warden on guitars, and Kevin McGuire on electric and upright bass. The result is a truly remarkable collection of music, balancing heartfelt storytelling with masterful instrumentation.
Sweet Baby Blues, released November 23rd, is paving the way for I Will Tell Your Story, which is set for release in March 2025. Fans can also look forward to live performances, including Linlithgow Jazz Club on March 1st, Ayr Jazz Club on March 7th, and the Northwest Castle Jazz Weekend in October. With its heartfelt narratives and musical brilliance, Reid’s latest work is poised to resonate deeply with audiences everywhere.