Title: Intuition: Songs From The Minds of Women
Artist: Alicia Olatuja
Label: Resilience Music Alliance
Formats: CD, Digital
Release: February 22, 2019

The newest release from acclaimed vocalist, composer, and arranger Alicia Olatuja celebrates noted female composers in a collection of reinterpretations entitled Intuition: Songs from the Minds of Women. Olatuja, who showcased her vocal talent for millions during the second inauguration ceremony for President Barack Obama, picked songs for Intuition that encompass a wide variety of themes, genres, and perspectives in an effort to celebrate the diversity of women’s musical expression.

Intuition includes thirteen jazz-inspired reinterpretations of songs by African American artists like Tracy Chapman, Sade, and Angela Bofill as well as artists from other genres, including Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush. From her funky take on “Grácias A La Vida” by Violeta Parra to her Caribbean-inspired version of Linda Creed’s “People Make the World Go Round,” Olatuja’s reinterpretations are as diverse as the songs themselves. The album also includes an original by Olatuja,”Just Wait,” a yearning relationship song that exploits her sultry lower register. The project was co-produced with jazz drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., who worked with Olatuja on the Jazz at Lincoln Center commissioned project Songs of Freedom (also featured in this issue).

Released just in time for Women’s History Month, Alicia Olatuja’s Intuition: Songs From The Minds of Women has given new life to classic compositions by female artists through fresh interpretations that inspire empowerment.

Reviewed by Chloe McCormick