This is one of the loveliest studio albums I’ve heard this month and is a great antidote for the incessant ‘noise’ and over-stimulation that often tires us these days. Although not from Scotland, I think this is an album that deserves our attention.
After Hours is a sparkling gem of an album from England-based vocalist Germana Stella La Sorsa and guitarist Tom Ollendorff, who have mindfully created a sound that is remarkable for its limpidity, and simplicity of production.
Hailing from Puglia, Italy, and performing from an early age, Germana is well known in Italian Jazz clubs and festivals. A highlight was performing with renowned guitarist and double bassist Franco Cerri (Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Gerry Mulligan, Django Reinhardt).
Since 2017 however Germana has lived in England, where she has established herself on the London Jazz circuit as well as appearing at overseas festivals. Her two previous albums, Vapour (2021) and Primary Colours (2024) were very well-received, and she speaks of After Hours as being a “returning to the essential”. “After the release of my latest work “Primary Colours”, I felt the need to return to the origins of my voice, focusing even more on my instrument rather than on new original compositions.”
Joining Germana on After Hours is guitarist and Londoner Tom Ollendorff, ‘rising star of the six-string’. Following his acclaimed debut album A Song For You (2021), his national and international touring took off, whilst he continued also as sideman with multiple notable musicians such as Tim Garland, Ari Hoenig and Huw Warren. His latest album Open House (2023) was lauded, and having worked with Germana since 2022, the pair have established a rapport that is clearly audible in this, their shared new album.
At just under 25 minutes, After Hours consists of six exquisite, unhurried tracks.
The album opens with a cover of Paul McCartney’s Because, with Germana’s stark vocal emoting embraced by Tom’s guitar which shadows her with matching tonal purity. This is as beautiful an interpretation of McCartney’s tune as you could wish for.
The La Sorsa – Ollendorff duo co-composed next track Procida, named after one of the Phlegraean Islands off the coast of Naples. Again, this song is presented with great delicacy, the unison sections in particular being especially appealing. Taking us further into our already chilled mood, Germana’s composition In Time And (S)Pace opens with a short but delicious guitar solo from Tom, thereafter Germana demonstrates her wide vocal range, the overall effect feeling quite serene.
A second cover follows, in the shape of Braguinha and Pixinguinha’s Carinhoso (meaning ‘having or showing affection’) sung in Brazilian Portuguese. Again, as charming a rendition of this favourite as you could wish for, and a mildly up-tempo feel in contrast to the rest of the album.
The title track returns the mood to pensive, this one even somewhat bluesy, including some tasteful and occasionally surprising harmonic changes. Following this the final Alice In Wonderland has a light feel with an attractive melody and some fun vocalese.
The simple production means neither duo member can hide, which is great for the listener as every note is worth hearing in this graceful and pleasantly minimalist album. Borderline numinous, this album is a good antidote to the over stimulating world we live in.
After Hours was released on 11th July 2025 on 33 Jazz Records
Links
https://www.germanalasorsa.com/
https://www.tomollendorff.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@GermanaStellaLaSorsa
https://www.youtube.com/@TomOllendorff
Photo credit: Monika S Jakubowska