Coming Forth by Day
Cassandra Wilson · 2015
63 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A haunting blend of jazz standards reimagined through Cassandra Wilson's smoky vocals and innovative arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Strange Fruit — Wilson's rendition transforms this poignant protest song into a deeply personal meditation on race and history, showcasing her ability to evoke emotion through reinterpretation.
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Don't Explain — This track stands out with its intimate delivery and expressive phrasing, allowing Wilson's vocal nuances to shine through the lush instrumental backdrop.
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Good Morning Heartache — Wilson's interpretation emphasizes vulnerability, intertwining her rich vocal style with subtle instrumentation that enhances the song’s melancholic essence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Innovative arrangements and strong vocal performances create a distinctive take on jazz standards.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of sparse instrumentation, allowing Wilson's vocals to remain the focal point throughout.
- Each track is reinterpreted with unique arrangements that often shift the original song's tempo and mood.
- The final track transitions into a more reflective tone, contrasting with the earlier pieces and providing a sense of closure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- smoky vocals for intimate moments
- haunting arrangements for quiet reflection
- slow-burning emotional depth
- candlelit evenings with close friends
- nostalgic warmth through familiar standards
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat dance tracks
- prefer instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon its release in 2015, Coming Forth by Day marked Cassandra Wilson's return to the jazz scene after an extended hiatus following her previous album, Silver Pony in 2010. This project showcases her continued evolution as an artist, deeply influenced by her personal connection to the music of Billie Holiday, whose legacy permeates the album.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Diana Krall· Norah Jones· Esperanza Spalding
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Don't Explain
The singer directly addresses their partner about unspoken feelings and misunderstandings reveals layers of emotional complexity.
This direct confrontation within the lyrics shifts the dynamic from passive reflection to active engagement, highlighting the tension between love and hurt.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Don't Explain 4:34
- 2 Billie's Blues 5:07
- 3 Crazy He Calls Me 6:18
- 4 You Go to My Head 4:08
- 5 All of Me 4:05
- 6 The Way You Look Tonight 3:50
- 7 Good Morning Heartache 4:56
- 8 What a Little Moonlight Can Do 4:09
- 9 These Foolish Things 4:13
- 10 Strange Fruit 4:54
- 11 I'll Be Seeing You 6:08
- 12 Last Song (For Lester) 5:50
- 13 The Mood That I'm In 5:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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