On recent albums Cassandra Wilson has pursued her pared-down sound — acoustic guitars, discreet percussion — to diminishing effect. Glamoured and Belly of the Sun were tasteful but, by her standards, hardly essential records. Thunderbird is a change of direction that succeeds magnificently.

The familiar mix of blues, jazz and soul is here subtly updated for the 21st century. A good deal of credit must go to her new producer, T. Bone Burnett, who has brought in keyboards and some low-key beats and loops to create an expansive background that enhances the drama without ever threatening to swamp Wilson’s honeyed vocals. Her own songwriting has hit a strong seam, but once again it’s her blues singing that stands out.

Anyone who thinks the blues is only for whiskery nostalgics should listen to her spine- tingling seven-minute version of Blind Lemon Jefferson’s Easy Rider. An early contender for vocal album of the year.

(Blue Note)

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