Kate McGarry, Lenora Zenzalai Helm, Lois Deloatch, Nnenna Freelon: The Sistering

The collaborative album created by jazz vocalists Kate McGarry, Lenora Zenzalai Helm, Lois Deloatch, and Nnenna Freelon, titled The Sistering, is a powerful musical journey that explores the bonds of friendship and heritage. Released in early 2026, the project uses the metaphor of "sistering"—a building technique where two boards are joined to make a structure stronger—to show how these four women support one another. The album begins with the "River Song," which introduces the idea of life as a flowing stream that connects the past to the present. This is quickly followed by "A Brother (Just Like You)," a song written and led by Freelon that honors the supportive men in their lives, showing that their community of strength extends beyond just the four vocalists. Furthermore, the album is essentially jazz with very pleasing nuances of folk, spirituals, blues, and Americana - you will enjoy this one.

As the album moves into its middle section, the themes become more serious and reflective of the struggles people face. Deloatch leads "Dying Season," a track that deals honestly with the sadness and change that comes with loss. This transition leads into "The Circle," where McGarry sings about the repetitive nature of life and how we often return to the same important lessons. Helm then takes the lead on "Begin Again," a long and beautiful piece that encourages listeners to find the courage to start over after a difficult time. These songs work together to show that even when life is hard, having a strong foundation of friends can help a person stay upright.

The later half of the album focuses on where we come from and how we balance different parts of our identity. "Origins" looks back at ancestral roots, while "Combat Boots and Glass Slippers" highlights the balance between being a strong warrior and a graceful dreamer. This track features all four women and emphasizes that they don't have to choose between being tough and being elegant. The next song, "Follow The Stream" leads into the deeply poignant "Dreaming Arms." This specific song serves as a profound remembrance of Freelon's late husband, reflecting on the "tender strands of silvery gray" and the desire to find sanctuary in the memory of his embrace. It suggests that even in the "autumn" of life and through the fog of grief, the structural support of love remains an enduring force.

Toward the end of the album, the music dives into a deep discussion of family wisdom and tradition. In "Tribal Download," McGarry describes the act of uncovering family secrets and memories as if she were walking down into a quiet cellar. The mood then shifts to a more classic sound with "It Had To Be You," a jazz standard that the group performs together to celebrate the fact that they were destined to work with each other. This song feels like a celebration of their longtime friendship and the professional respect they share as veterans of the jazz world.

The album concludes by bringing the listener back to where everything started, leaving a lasting impression of unity. The "River Song Reprise" acts as a short, peaceful harmonic ending that reminds us that the "river" of life and sisterhood never truly stops flowing. By the time the final note fades, McGarry, Helm, Deloatch, and Freelon have successfully proven that their combined voices are much more powerful than any one voice alone. The Sistering stands as a beautiful example of how art can be used to document real-life connections and provide a sense of healing, support, and inspiration to every listener.

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