Interview: La Tanya Hall's New Album IF NOT NOW, WHEN... Out Today From Blue Canoe Records

La Tanya Hall, a vocalist, educator, and longtime Steely Dan touring member known for her story-driven approach and stylistic versatility, releases her most personal and intentional project to date, out today, October 10, from Blue Canoe Records. Born from a period of vocal silence and artistic reflection, the album, If Not Now, When…, offers a thoughtfully curated collection of lesser-known songs chosen for their lyrical power and emotional weight.

Produced by Michael Leonhart, the project features an all-star band including saxophonist Gary Bartz, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, harmonicist Gregoire Maret, bassist Gerald Cannon, drummer Mark McLean, and guitarist Marvin Sewell. Across its eight tracks, Hall explores material that is often overlooked — songs chosen for their storytelling and emotional resonance. The result is a deeply personal and musically openhearted album shaped by Hall’s renewed artistic purpose following a prolonged loss of her voice during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read a conversation with Hall about the new album.

How does it feel getting the chance to record this album after having the experience of losing your voice for a prolonged time?

When I lost my voice, it actually felt like my arm had been cut off and was quite a scary time. I worked with a wonderful speech pathologist (Marci Rosenberg) who really helped me heal my instrument and bring my voice back stronger than ever. I couldn’t be more grateful to her. I felt a renewed sense to make new music and express all the things I wanted to say.

Did having this period of silence give you any insight into singing’s role in your life? 

It made me realize, more than ever, the importance of music in my life. The ability to make music, in whatever form, has profound power. It is healing for both the listener and the performer. This temporary loss made me even more grateful to be able to express myself musically — to be able to tell stories, touch someone’s spirit, or heal someone’s heart. It goes so much deeper than just mere sound production.

Can you tell me a little about what went into crafting this album? What did you find most challenging, and most rewarding, about it?

I spent about two years, alongside my producer and arranger Michael Leonhart, organizing these songs and choosing the right musicians to bring them to life. I’m extremely story oriented when it comes to choosing material, and I also really like to find the hidden gem that hasn’t been overly done. During Covid, I had lots of time to pore over music and make, for me, choices that reflect who and where I am as an artist. I also wanted to highlight female composers, some of whom never got their due during their time. We have two wonderful songs by Abbey Lincoln (“A Turtle’s Dream” and “Tender As A Rose”);  a song by Bernice Petkere (“Lullaby of the Leaves”); and a stripped down remake of “Day Dreaming,” written and immortalized by Aretha Franklin. In addition, I recorded “Let’s Burn Down The Cornfields” by Randy Newman; “Pretty Eyes” by Horace Silver; and “Long As You’re Living” by Oscar Brown, Jr., among others.

I wanted more of a rootsy vibe on this record rather than just a straight-ahead jazz album. I’ve known guitarist Marvin Sewell for almost three decades and approached him about taking a central role in the recording. And I was lucky to have several of my colleagues at Oberlin Conservatory who agreed to join the project — NEA Jazz Master saxophonist Gary Bartz, jazz legend trumpeter Eddie Henderson and master bassist Gerald Cannon. But the icing on the cake for me was having Cyrus Chestnut, the Grammy award winning pianist and composer, agree to be a part of the project. From the first rehearsal to the final recording, everyone jibed well and really brought their best to the sessions.

What have you been up to since wrapping up this album? Do you have any other projects you’d like to tell us about?

The album drops on October 10th, so I’ve been doing a series of concerts in anticipation. I just wrapped a wonderful show at Birdland and at The Django in New York City. I’m prepping for a show at The Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor, Mich., and then I will head to Australia/New Zealand for five weeks on tour with pop superstar Rob Thomas. I’m on sabbatical this semester from my teaching gig at Oberlin Conservatory and I’m really loving having this time to just create music!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

The album will be available on all platforms starting October 10th and presales of physical albums are available on Amazon, Band Camp and directly at my label, www.BlueCanoeRecords.com. Thanks for your time!

Photos of La Tanya Hall by James Wood

Find more about La Tanya Hall online at latanyahall.com