(Left to right) Callandra Youngleson, Kat Sherman Lanham, Alyssa Allgood, Lizzi Trumbore. Fulton Street Collective, 2/24/25

By Dominic Guanzon

Monday, 2/24/25

After almost a year of announcing the project and Instagram teasers, the Chicago-based vocal jazz quartet Somaluna made their triumphant debut at Fulton Street Collective. The group is dedicated to “championing the voices of female composers and arrangers around the world,” and their first show did not disappoint in that regard.

From fast swing standards to friend breakups to a South African/Carlo Mombelli composition, the quartet ran the gamut of the emotional spectrum in a jazz-based concert. The added twist, of course, being the four-part alto/soprano vocal arrangements. My personal favorite might be Alyssa Allgood’s original “Turn to Gold” from her latest album, brought to another level with the rest of Somaluna adding another layer. It’s hard to believe a group capable of soloing and harmonizing with such depth first came together singing “Amazing Grace” in unison. And yet, here we are.

Somaluna. Fulton Street Collective, 2/24/25

Even though all members have established, dedicated music careers, that year of prep did them good, as the give-and-take from each of the four were near-even. Seemingly no ego or fighting for attention in song or speech. The most apparent evidence of this was how each vocalist was introduced by a different one throughout the night, until each one had introduced another.

Just four good friends, in four good jumpsuits, for one great night of music.

Somaluna is:

Callandra Youngleson (voc)

Kat Sherman Lanham (voc)

Alyssa Allgood (voc)

Lizzi Trumbore (voc)

Jake Shapiro (p)

Katie Ernst (b)

Jon Deitemyer (d)