A Stunning New Album Showcases Anaïs Reno’s Soaring Talent and Deep Connection to Jazz Tradition
For those of us in the JazzBuffalo community, Anaïs Reno has become a familiar and cherished name. We’ve had the rare privilege of watching her artistry blossom before our very eyes—from her stunning Buffalo debut at Seneca One a few years back (2022), to her stellar performance in the Art of Jazz Series as part of Gary Smulyan’s Tadd’s All, Folks project, to her appearance at the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston alongside Pete Malinverni and Peter Bernstein, and her moving tribute to Harold Arlen, with Pete Malinverni and Julie Kurtzman, at Kleinhans Music Hall for the Arlen 125th Birthday Celebration.
Now, Anaïs gifts us with a new recording that further displays the evolution of her artistry: “Lady of the Lavender Mist,” featuring the legendary guitarist Peter Bernstein. This new album is simply outstanding—an elegant step forward that showcases the expressive power and remarkable storytelling for which she has become known. From the moment you hear her interpretation of Duke Ellington’s “Lady of the Lavender Mist,” you know you’re in the presence of a vocalist who continues to evolve with depth, grace, and emotional clarity well beyond her years.
Favorites include a luscious interpretation of “When Lights Are Low,” a swinging “Take Love Easy” that is lifted to new heights by the remarkable Julie Kurtzman on violin, and an absolute standout: “I’ll Remember April,” opening with a fiery and intricate drum solo by none other than Joe Farnsworth—a name familiar to many now, following his electric performance with Emmet Cohen here in Buffalo.
This album allows Anaïs to stretch her wings and further define a vocal style uniquely hers, blending sophistication, warmth, and a depth that continues to defy her youth. Her collaborations here only further elevate the artistry, with Bernstein providing a sensitive and intuitive foundation that allows Anaïs to shine. The trio of Peter Bernstein, Joe Farnsworth, and bassist extraordinaire David Wong provides Anaïs with a perfect complement.
At JazzBuffalo, we’ve long believed in supporting the artists who help shape the future of jazz. Anaïs Reno is undoubtedly one of them. As she finds herself among a new generation of jazz artists breathing new life into the Great American Songbook and more, we encourage the JazzBuffalo community to dive into this remarkable release and continue following her ascent.
“Lady of the Lavender Mist” is more than a new album—it’s a statement from a rising star who continues to honor the legacy of jazz while making it her own. We’re proud to say we’ve been there along the way—and we’ll be cheering her on with every note.
(Visit Anaïs Reno Linktree to listen! https://c44.lnk.to/LadyOfTheLavenderMist)
