Naima Shamborguer's CDs include:
A Blossom Sings
From My Heart to Yours
'Round Midnight
Pair A Dice, with Marion Hayden
Lifetime: Tribute to Geri Allen, with Detroit Young Jazz Giants
Naima
Buy Naima's music here
Linda Yon writes about Naima's newest CD, Naima:
"Detroit songstress Naima Shamborguer has never been content to rest on her laurels, which are many. A Kresge Artist Fellow, now Naima expands her repertoire, her stylistic approaches and vocal range with the new CD Naima on her independent record label, Shambones Music. Shamborguer’s soprano soars — at times into the coloratura range — from her first note to the CD’s gentle but swinging close. Her voice has matured magnificently as have her skills and ideas as an improvisor. She controls vibrato and pitch with strength while expressing the tenderest, gentlest of emotions.Shamborguer has always worked with Detroit’s finest jazz practitioners, and on Naima her “Pick and Roll Band” continues the tradition. The chemistry between pianist Ian Finkelstein, bassist Marion Hayden, drummer Djallo Djakate, saxophonists Wendell Harrison and Rafael Statin and trombonist Steve Davis is flawless. Shamborguer is well aware that great arrangements breathe new life into classic repertoire. An example of the arranger’s art is the opening track, “Out of This World,” the Arlen and Mercer standard arranged by Sven Anderson. Also, the late Eddie Russ’ arrangement of John Coltrane’s “Naima” with lyric penned by Jean Carne is sublime. Ms. Shamborguer is primed to take on this legendary song and elegant arrangement.
Shamborguer has been listening to and loving jazz for decades. This is evident in her song choices, including “Red Clay,” which dates to 1970 and features the Mark Murphy lyrics from 1975. What a joy it is to hear it again! We hope that Shamborguer’s version will lead to a rediscovery of this treasure. The exquisite ballad, “Poinciana” is from 1936, but Shamborguer’s version relies on the classic jazz arrangement by Ahmad Jamal from 1958. Familiar with Jamal treatment, drummer Djakate and bassist Hayden gently keep the rhythm flowing while Finkelstein caresses the piano keys and subtly supports Shamborguer’s vocalise. Her voice is as soothing as the tropical breezes the song brings to mind. Shamborguer also soothes with the rare lyric to saxophonist Johnny Griffin’s “When We Were One.” This lament of lost love is not saccharine or morose, rather it is a delicate reminiscence of days past. Trombonist Davis also communicates and provides a softly swinging foil to Shamborguer’s expressive vocal.
Over the years many great singers have hailed from Detroit. Naima Shamborguer belongs in the group for her dedication to craft and for all of her recordings of which Naima is a jewel in her crown. For more information visit her website."
"One of Detroit's most gifted jazz singers, Naima Shamborguer, ups the ante on this often magical collections of ballads with her dark and richly textured voice and pinpoint pitch, Shamborguer brings a nuance of a natural storyteller and relaxed time - feel of a true jazz musician."
-- Mark Stryker - Detroit Free Press Music Critic
"One of Detroit's most satisfying jazz singers, Naima Shamborguer, celebrates her new CD, 'Round Midnight...There's a lot to like about 'Round Midnight, not the least of which is an exquisite version of the classic Thelonious Monk ballad that gives the album its title and shows off Shamborguer's espresso-rich voice and Sarah Vaughan-inspired phrasing." -- Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press Music Critic
"Detroit songstress Naima Shamborguer has never been content to rest on her laurels, which are many. A Kresge Artist Fellow, now Naima expands her repertoire, her stylistic approaches and vocal range with the new CD Naima on her independent record label, Shambones Music. Shamborguer’s soprano soars — at times into the coloratura range — from her first note to the CD’s gentle but swinging close. Her voice has matured magnificently as have her skills and ideas as an improvisor. She controls vibrato and pitch with strength while expressing the tenderest, gentlest of emotions.Shamborguer has always worked with Detroit’s finest jazz practitioners, and on Naima her “Pick and Roll Band” continues the tradition. The chemistry between pianist Ian Finkelstein, bassist Marion Hayden, drummer Djallo Djakate, saxophonists Wendell Harrison and Rafael Statin and trombonist Steve Davis is flawless. Shamborguer is well aware that great arrangements breathe new life into classic repertoire. An example of the arranger’s art is the opening track, “Out of This World,” the Arlen and Mercer standard arranged by Sven Anderson. Also, the late Eddie Russ’ arrangement of John Coltrane’s “Naima” with lyric penned by Jean Carne is sublime. Ms. Shamborguer is primed to take on this legendary song and elegant arrangement.
Shamborguer has been listening to and loving jazz for decades. This is evident in her song choices, including “Red Clay,” which dates to 1970 and features the Mark Murphy lyrics from 1975. What a joy it is to hear it again! We hope that Shamborguer’s version will lead to a rediscovery of this treasure. The exquisite ballad, “Poinciana” is from 1936, but Shamborguer’s version relies on the classic jazz arrangement by Ahmad Jamal from 1958. Familiar with Jamal treatment, drummer Djakate and bassist Hayden gently keep the rhythm flowing while Finkelstein caresses the piano keys and subtly supports Shamborguer’s vocalise. Her voice is as soothing as the tropical breezes the song brings to mind. Shamborguer also soothes with the rare lyric to saxophonist Johnny Griffin’s “When We Were One.” This lament of lost love is not saccharine or morose, rather it is a delicate reminiscence of days past. Trombonist Davis also communicates and provides a softly swinging foil to Shamborguer’s expressive vocal.
Over the years many great singers have hailed from Detroit. Naima Shamborguer belongs in the group for her dedication to craft and for all of her recordings of which Naima is a jewel in her crown. For more information visit her website."
"One of Detroit's most gifted jazz singers, Naima Shamborguer, ups the ante on this often magical collections of ballads with her dark and richly textured voice and pinpoint pitch, Shamborguer brings a nuance of a natural storyteller and relaxed time - feel of a true jazz musician."
-- Mark Stryker - Detroit Free Press Music Critic
"One of Detroit's most satisfying jazz singers, Naima Shamborguer, celebrates her new CD, 'Round Midnight...There's a lot to like about 'Round Midnight, not the least of which is an exquisite version of the classic Thelonious Monk ballad that gives the album its title and shows off Shamborguer's espresso-rich voice and Sarah Vaughan-inspired phrasing." -- Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press Music Critic