The sophomore album–A Day For The Hunter, A Day For The Prey— from multi-instrumentalist, multi-lingual singer Leyla McCalla is an emotional, stunning and impressive album to listen to again and again. It makes me want to immediately visit NOLA. There’s sadness, beauty, truth, bravery and hope in her gypsy jazz/ folk music. Haitian-American and NOLA resident McCalla [formerly of Carolina Chocolate Drops] uses her own experiences as well as interpreting Haitian, Cajun and Creole jazz and folk. Every song is magical but I particularly favor the lovely and heartbreaking version of the classic Creole slave song “Salangadou,” the plaintive “Les Plats Sont Tous Mis Sur la Table” and the aching “Let It Fall” as well as the thoughtful title track. Strings truly can speak from the soul.

Leyla McCalla at Davis Square Theatre, Somerville, Mass., Friday, October 6 at 7pm 

Davis Square Theatre

255 Elm St. Somerville, MA

Tickets: $20 General Admission
21+