Cotton Skies is Saunders' astonishingly assured and accomplished debut. Reflecting her passion for Brazilian rhythms and some of the great composers that have inspired her, she uses her voice as a true improvisationalist. Yet it is not only Saunders' masterful voice, but her talent as a songwriter and arranger that sets her above the rest. Six of the ten songs on Cotton Skies are originals. The coolness of her poetic, alluring, compositions and dreamy lyrics are balanced with an outstanding selection of fiery arrangements by composers Hermeto Pascoal, Egberto Gismonti and Airto Moreira. Saunders' dark, sultry ballads are offset by exuberant, hip swaying grooves. Joining Emily on voice are Byron Wallen and Nick Walters on trumpets, Bruno Heinen on piano and Rhodes, Larry Bartley on bass, Jon Scott on drums and Chris Wells on percussion. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.