‘[Cruz] is sleek and velvety, but never afraid to be vulnerable.’

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Neo-soul singer/songwriter Tracy Cruz – based in San Francisco – is to unveil the final component of her EP trilogy at the end of this month.

The trilogy comprises the piano-driven H3artifacts, the Brandon Williams-produced Art of Facts, and the to-be-released Purple H3artifacts –  the songs from H3artifacts performed with her band Instrumentali-T. The distinction between H3artifacts and Art of Facts is clear. The former is (largely) the heartbreak EP; the latter is the uplifting one for post-breakup rebuilding.

The minimalist production on H3artifacts, with only piano and vocals, is effective in bringing out the vulnerability of Cruz’ intimate, personal, if somewhat non-descript, lyrics. On ‘My Heart Says To You’ and ‘Wish I Could’, she lists her regrets in love almost methodically. While Cruz does not offer much in terms of specificity or deeper insight, there is a direct and confessional approach to her song writing. She laments the deterioration of a relationship in ‘Losing In Love’, an aching ballad sung with intensity. Though occasionally overcooking her melismatic skill, she touches notes in her lower register with caramel-richness and often ends phrases with breathy inflection. She harnesses the warmth of her vocals on H3artifacts’ final track, ‘Golden Soul’, dedicated to her children, where she urges the listener to ‘[not] be afraid to fly’.

While the decision to first record H3artifacts in stripped down fashion makes artistic sense, the inclusion of her band on Purple H3artifacts lifts the tracks considerably. Lionel Briones’ saxophone and Bill Smolik’s trumpet provide a depth and jazz-inflected melancholy. ‘Losing In Love’ particularly benefits from the richer arrangement. The backing vocals vividly capture the sense of hopelessness and defeatism in the lyric.

Moving onto the more uplifting EP. Described by Cruz as ‘a celebration of inner strength, with more a jazz feel’, Art of Facts steps up the tempo with incredibly sleek production courtesy of Grammy-nominated producer Brandon Williams. Lead single ‘Keep Our Soul Alive’ (reviewed here) conveys Cruz’ struggles as an independent artist, but also her striving mentality. Horns and backing vocals are layered on the shimmery ‘Into The Sun’, and Cruz’ voice coos on the optimistic ‘Bloom’.

A slight criticism: Art of Facts is occasionally too smooth for its own good. Take the final thirty seconds of ‘Keep Our Soul Alive’, for example. Cruz’ repeats the need to ‘push through’ adversity, yet neither the production or her vocals are imbued with the requisite urgency.

Yet Cruz’ artistry does shine through across the trilogy. She is sleek and velvety, but never afraid to be vulnerable.

Standout Track: ‘Losing In Love’ (Purple H3artifacts version)

(Image Copyright: Tracy Cruz Music)