Self Portrait by Lalah Hathaway

Music Review

Self Portrait by Lalah Hathaway
(Stax Records, 2008)

One of the many albums overlooked by mainstream radio and television this summer is Lalah Hathaway’s “Self Portrait” (Stax Records). Since her debut album titled A Moment (1994), Hathaway released classics such as “Lalah Hathaway” (1996), “Outrun the Sky” (2004) and was the featured voice on Joe Sample’s “The Song Lives On” (1999). “Self Portrait” offers an unadulterated combination of thought-provoking lyrics and captivating melodies that keeps the head nodding. The opening song of the album is Let Go, an infectious groove with all the qualities of a mature lounge scene. None of these songs are extravagant, and that’s a good thing. At a time when music is over-produced in an attempt to push the extremes, “Self Portrait” finds an even-hued sound and milks it for all its worth. For Always is one of the jewels of the album, due to its ability to blend Hathaway’s voice magnificently without drowning it out with the rest of the instruments. Her voice is distinct; in fact, Hathaway is one of the few vocalists left who can show her talents in the company of a live band, such as with the track On Your Own. With the advancements in music production, true vocalism has all but become a thing of the past. However, the work on this album—thanks to the title vocalist, Rashaan Patterson, Sandra St. Victor, and Terrance Martin just to name a few—brings out all of the fine subtleties of her textured voice.