33, Single & Broke

33, Single & Broke’ - a title and statement in one. New Zealand’s exceptional vocalist and composer, Teresa Bergman, returns with her third studio album; a jazzy folk-pop inferno. This is poetic discourse pop at ist best. ‘33, Single & Broke’ challenges the listener toward contemplation, whilst maintaining a sense of melodic lightness and groove. Bergman digs deep into the reality for women in their thirties. She is honest, maintaining her reflective humour and closing in on heavy topics with a sense of sophistication. She raises her voice for that which is closest to her heart - a voice that is simultaneously a masterful instrument of experimentation. The singer continues to utilise her extensive vocal palette - breaking boundaries with apparent ease whilst transporting the deepest of feelings with a refreshing simplicity. “Your love is like a piece of gum, so tasty till the chewing’s done” - Bergman gives us grounded sentiments to relate to. ‘33, Single and Broke’ angles back to the former busker’s folk-roots, yet maintains the complexity and genre-breaking originality we’ve come to expect from this dynamic artist. Aptly recorded during the second lockdown in the studios of the band "Isolation Berlin", the songs are infused with earthy, organic sounds and a feeling of warm togetherness. Bergman and band formed a creative bubble in the studio and their musical connection is palatable. The album as a whole, but especially titles such as ‘Aaron’, ‘Checkout Tears’ or ‘Old Timer’ are reminiscent of the folk-heroes of the 60s and 70s. Simultaneously the songs are modern and clever with bold arrangements, lush jazzy harmonies and tasteful backing vocals. Bergman’s vocal vocabulary ranges from ‘aria-like’ elegies to soulful simplicity. The record’s first track, ‘Swallow’, engages the listener from the outset with poetic chanson, quirky rhythmic changes, classically inspired piano-arpeggios and soaring avant-garde vocals - an instrumentation emulating the playful freedom of the swallow’s flight.