Consuming in its lush blend of piano, brass, and subdued jazz-inclined rhythms, The Bigger Picture is the new album from Oscar Utterström, a Swedish trombonist who has called Nashville his home for over two decades. The release is a collaboration with Los Angeles-based lyricist Wayne Moore, who notes that “Oscar’s melodies take me places I’ve never been before as a lyricist.” Both vocal and instrumental tracks shine on the release, with Molly Parden’s vocals proving especially inviting throughout.
The album’s enthralling sound is evident right away, with the opening “Forward.” “I got to learn to go forward,” Parden’s lushly melodic vocals let out, moving seamlessly amidst twinkling piano and frolicking bass. Strings and brass enter gracefully as the vocals lament “I think I’m going out of my mind.” A powerfully emotive sound is fully conveyed, even within the delicate instrumentation.
The album’s title track comes next, exuding a more melancholic initial spell in the morose piano line and weeping brass. Jazzy percussion moves into the second half, resulting in a ravishing instrumental that bridges the folk-laden elegance of “Forward” and the ensuing late-night vocal jazz vibes within “Home.” “It’s more than a location, this place I know,” Parden sings, capturing the allure of escapism. From the subdued piano-set instrumentals like “Faith” to the lovely vocal-led cover of “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” The Bigger Picture succeeds in its serenely introspective sound.
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“Forward” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Rainy Days and Late Night Drives.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
