Inspired by the phrasing and harmonic sensibilities of 1940s and ’50s vocal jazz, Whisky Scented Kisses blends original compositions with carefully chosen standards, presenting a sound that feels classic while remaining distinctly its own. At its centre is Roubini’s distinctive voice – grounded in classic jazz phrasing, with a natural sense of space and time, and a quietly compelling presence – guiding a collection that explores love in its many forms: longing and desire, independence and risk, intimacy and impermanence.

Across nine tracks, Black Gardenia balances timeless storytelling with subtle, spacious arrangements, allowing each song’s narrative to unfold with elegance and restraint. The album features six original compositions alongside recordings honouring Billie Holiday and Nancy Wilson. Nestled amongst these is a rare gem: an unpublished song from 1950, There’s Always Tomorrow, written by a young Mimi Marlowe Jaffe. First heard more than 70 years later, after her death, it was transcribed from an unreleased recording and adds a hopeful gesture of renewal.

Recorded at Bryan Adams’ Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, the record showcases a sextet whose innate sense of swing carries the music throughout. Guitarist and arranger Paul Pigat’s elegant voicings and horn writing frame the ensemble’s sound, while the interplay between voice, horns, and melodic lines creates a rich harmonic resonance – evoking the spirit of mid-century jazz while remaining fresh and unmistakably its own.

The album is performed by Daphne Roubini (vocals), Paul Pigat (guitar, arrangements), Brad Turner (trumpet, flugelhorn), Stephen Nikleva (guitar), Jeremy Holmes (bass), and Dave Say (saxophone) – a group of celebrated Canadian musicians whose collective chemistry brings depth, nuance, and quiet authority to every track.

With Whisky Scented Kisses, Black Gardenia offer a record that honours the elegance of classic jazz, while being at once late-night in mood and quietly poignant.