Emma Hedrick’s debut Newcomer introduces a luminous new voice on the jazz scene, merging clear, structured songwriting with a warm, expressive vocal presence. Produced by Peter Eldridge of New York Voices, Hedrick’s compositions, which comprise the entirety of this effort, are shaped by her background in both jazz harmony and singer‑songwriter storytelling. She is supported by a talented quartet featuring Connor Rohrer on piano, Anton Kot on drums, Thor Eide Johansen on bass, and Shane McCandless on saxophone, along with the outstanding contributions by guest players. The tunes feel both polished and personal, with each arrangement offering subtlety and melodic depth. The production nicely balances the traditions of jazz with fresh lyrical perspectives, offering a wonderfully compelling debut.