Suzanne Grzanna’s Cat’s Meow XO steps into a dim velvet-lit jazz lounge at midnight, where every note curls through the air like cigarette smoke and every melody carries a story. The award-winning saxophonist, vocalist, composer, and producer has never been shy about blending sophistication with emotion, but this record really hits the sweet spot. Pulling together classic jazz, Bossa Nova, swing, and contemporary textures, Grzanna crafts an EP that sounds timeless without gathering dust. And honestly, the Dolby Atmos mix gives the whole thing extra sparkle, making the instruments feel alive and breathing right beside you.
“New York Romance” opens the journey beautifully. The piano glides softly like rain on a Manhattan sidewalk while Suzanne’s voice arrives smooth as silk, rich and creamy with an old-school charm that instantly pulls you in. When she sings, “It’s time for love in New York,” she captures the sleepless glamour of the city with a warmth that feels cinematic. There’s something deliciously nostalgic about it, like stumbling into a forgotten jazz club at 2 a.m. and never wanting to leave.
Then comes “Deck the Halls in a Minor Mood,” which flips expectations on their head. Grzanna leans into smoky moodiness with thick keyboards and brooding horns that simmer underneath the arrangement.
The title track, “Cat’s Meow XO,” is where Suzanne truly struts. Built around a sultry Latin groove in a minor key, the song sways with hypnotic confidence. The shimmering instrumentation wraps around her voice as she sings with a teasing sensuality that genuinely feels feline in spirit. Meanwhile, the saxophone flourishes and immersive production create a lush, intoxicating atmosphere.
All in all, Cat’s Meow XO is classy, intimate, and endlessly replayable. It’s jazz with both heart and claws.
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Review by: Naomi Joan