AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 20, 2026 - BANDCAMP EXCLUSIVE
https://mapleshaderecordings.bandcamp.com/album/afterglow-restored-remasteredAfterglow is Kendra Shank’s stunning 1994 debut album, recorded after legendary vocalist and pianist Shirley Horn discovered the singer-guitarist while on tour in Seattle. Praised for its intense emotional depth, the session features Horn and pianist Larry Willis as co-producers, with Willis acting as accompanist alongside his stellar quartet and guest saxophonist Gary Bartz. Shirley praised “Kendra’s duet with Larry took my breath away.”
The session remained one of Willis' absolute favorite Mapleshade releases. Reflecting on the project, he noted: "Kendra's performance was way beyond my expectations. Her song selection was surprisingly different, yet tasteful. The forethought Kendra put into her album was unexpectedly mature for a young singer."
Afterglow gives listeners a front-row seat to a wonderfully intimate, understated set by a gifted young singer. Hailed by Stereophile as the work of "the finest jazz vocalist I've heard in years," the album features Shank backed by the world-class accompaniment of the Larry Willis Quartet—featuring bassist Steve Novosel and a stellar rotation of drummers including Steve Williams, Steve Berrios, and Paul Murphy—plus saxophone icon Gary Bartz sitting in on a pair of tracks.
Originally captured live to two-track analog tape at Mapleshade Studio using a purist layout of minimal miking with no mixing board, EQ, or compression, this high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz digital reissue unleashes newfound clarity and presence from Shank's fabulous debut. Thankfully, the original analog master tapes survived the devastating 2007 Mapleshade Studio fire. They have been meticulously restored and remastered by renowned engineer Paul Gold at Salt Mastering with Kendra's direct personal involvement. This magnificent new 24/96 transfer unlocks astonishingly lifelike depth, breathiness, and micro-detail in Kendra's caressing voice.
Performers
Kendra Shank, vocals & guitar
Larry Willis, piano
Gary Bartz, alto sax *
Steve Novosel, bass
Steve Williams, drums
Steve Berrios, drums**, percussion & congas
Paul Murphy, drums ***
Track Listing
1. Almost Blue (E.Costello)
2. Photograph (R.Gilbert/A.Jobim)
3. Tes Yeux Bémol (D.Allary/H.Renaud)
duet: Shank and Willis
4. Paris Bossa* (K.Shank)
5. There's Never Been A Day* (R.Dorough)
6. Afterglow *** (C.Coates)
7. Devil My Care ** (T.Kirk/R.Dorough)
8. I Have The Feeling I've Been Here Before ** (A.Bergman/M.Bergman/R.
9. Left Alone (B.Holiday/M.Waldron)
Total Time = 49:17
Production Credits
Recorded at the Mapleshade Beechwood Studio, July 5/6, 1992
Producers Larry Willis & Shirley Horn
Recorded by Pierre Sprey
Mastered by Paul Gold, Salt Mastering
Cover photo by Mel P. Curtis
Piano: Steinway Model 0 restored and tuned by Potomac Keyboards
24-bit, 96 kHz A/D transfer using a Telefunken M15 deck and Prism AD2 converter.
More Info
https://kendrashank.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kendrashank.music
https://www.discogs.com/artist/773358-Kendra-Shank