Frances Livings’ first solo album “The World I Am Livings In” pulls at your heart strings. Her soulful contralto voice captures the melancholy of her poetic lyrics which play like a book of twelve musical short stories. Many tell of loss but they all depict the strength of the human spirit. The musical core is a trio, consisting of voice, grand piano and upright bass which gives the album a very tangible, transparent and acoustic feel. At the same time, each song possesses its own unique sonic qualities: Some are spiked with elevating, almost classical string arrangements, others move in interesting grooves and sounds, using a Rhodes or an electric guitar in the style of European nu-jazz. This album was recorded with some of Los Angeles’ most accomplished jazz musicians and produced by Greg Porée who has worked with some of the world’s greatest artists, including Joan Baez and Stevie Wonder. Released by Moontraxx Records in 2013, it stays true to the label’s motto “A popular approach to intelligent music!”.