Seasons by Lils Mackintosh: A Jazz Odyssey That Hits Hard
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—this album slaps. Released in 1997 under Quintessence Records, Seasons by Dutch jazz vocalist Lils Mackintosh isn’t your run-of-the-mill smooth-jazz snoozefest. No, this record punches you right in the feels while keeping it classy. With a lineup of top-tier musicians like Erik Robaard on bass, Jan Wessels blowing that flugelhorn and trumpet like his life depends on it, and Cris Monen pulling double duty on guitar AND harmonica, this crew doesn’t mess around.
Let me break down why two tracks stand out for me personally. First up, “Summertime.” Yeah, yeah, I know—it’s been done to death, but Lils makes it her own. Her voice floats over Cees Slinger’s piano work like smoke curling through an empty bar at midnight. It’s haunting yet warm, kinda like remembering a summer fling that ended too soon. The way she stretches out those vowels? Pure magic. You don’t just hear this version—you live it.
Then there’s “Autumn In New York,” which hits different here than any other take I’ve heard. Sjoerd Dijkhuizen’s tenor sax solo cuts deep, raw as hell, like someone ripping pages out of their diary and letting you read them. Lils’ delivery is sharp, almost bitter, like she’s pissed off about something—but also kinda resigned to it. It’s messy, real, and unforgettable. This ain’t no polished pop-star performance; it’s human emotion laid bare.
The rest of the tracklist reads like a love letter to seasonal mood swings. From “Younger Than Springtime” to “Winter Wonderland,” Mackintosh takes you on a ride through every damn feeling tied to time and weather. And honestly? It works. Tracks like “Come Rain Or Come Shine” and “I’ve Got Me Love To Keep Me Warm” feel timeless because they are. They’re not trying too hard—they just exist, confident as hell in their simplicity.
But what sticks with me most isn’t even the music itself—it’s how unapologetically Dutch this whole project feels. There’s something about the Netherlands bleeding into these tunes, whether it’s the crisp production or the understated elegance of the arrangements. It’s not flashy, but man, does it hit where it counts.
So yeah, if you’re looking for background noise to sip coffee to, maybe skip this. But if you want jazz that grabs you by the collar and demands attention, Seasons is your jam. Honestly, after listening to this, I started wondering why more people don’t talk about Lils Mackintosh outside Europe. Maybe she’s happy flying under the radar. Or maybe we’re all sleeping on a hidden gem. Either way, go listen. Just… brace yourself.
Oh, and random thought: If this album were a drink, it’d be whiskey neat. Strong, complex, and best enjoyed when you’re alone with your thoughts. Cheers to that.
