Fawn Fritzen - How To Say Sorry and Other Lessons (2020)

Baring one's soul is an extraordinarily vulnerable experience. Exposing a fully human character, with all its valor and flaws, can yield painful backlash or life-altering freedom. Fawn Fritzen's new vocal jazz album, ''How to Say Sorry and Other Lessons'' describes her path to self-actualization. A collection of material this raw can feel perilous to share, and yet, in her own words -- ''these songs deserve a life of their own.''

After releasing Pairings in 2016, her life was in chaos. Her marriage had fallen apart, she was in therapy, and she filled journals with grief, shame, and reflection on where things went wrong. As Fritzen reckoned with her irrevocably altered future, she found footing in strong convictions--about consent, conflict, compassion--and the profundity of writing these contemplations in her own words.

In early 2018, Duncan Sinclair approached Fritzen about being a featured performer in Jazz Yukon's ''Jazz in the Hall'' series, which challenges artists to create new collaborations and performances. This invitation became the catalyst for creating How to Say Sorry and Other Lessons.

Co-written with pianist/composer/life-partner David Restivo, the music encompasses swing, funk, pop, gospel, and even a touch of reggae. It is just as varied in its sentiment and depth. From the poignancy of unforeseen heartbreak (Bittersweet Goodbye) to a battle cry for female emancipation (Make a Little Noise), the result is a beautiful extended metaphor for rebuilding a life after loss. Fritzen aims to create not just a body of music, but also an event that honestly examines emotions and inspires conversation. The stories build in intensity as she progresses, culminating at her lowest point, where she felt the deepest self-loathing, and climaxing at her most empowered.