Jazz/Review Jill Desiree - Broken

Few artists embody the spirit of classic soul, jazz, and R&B like Jill Desiree. Born in Australia, raised in Indonesia, and educated at the Berklee College of Music, Jill follows in the tradition of artists like Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston by blending evocative vocals with the expert musicianship of some of LA's most creative and virtuosic players.

Jill Desiree’s “Broken” is a richly textured and emotionally resonant song from her upcoming solo album, showcasing an artist fully in command of her voice, vision, and storytelling. Recently awarded Best Jazz at the 29th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, the song blends jazz sophistication, neo-soul warmth, and groovy R&B into a sound that feels both classic and contemporary.

At its core, “Broken” is a deeply personal reflection on love, frustration, and emotional vulnerability. Desiree’s smooth, sultry vocal performance carries the weight of lived experience, delivering each line with nuance and restraint rather than excess. There’s a quiet strength in her phrasing — pain acknowledged, not dramatized — which gives the song its lasting emotional pull. Knowing that the track began years earlier and was later completed adds to its sense of emotional maturity and closure.

Musically, “Broken” is a masterclass in groove and subtlety. Inspired by the sonic worlds of Erykah Badu’s “Baduizm” and Rachelle Ferrell’s “Individuality,” the track sits comfortably in a jazz-informed pocket that feels effortless yet precise. The chord progression nods playfully to Wayne Shorter’s “Footprints,” filtered through a funky, Marcus Miller–influenced lens that keeps the rhythm fluid and engaging.

The band’s chemistry is undeniable, captured in just two takes, while Katisse Buckingham’s saxophone work and production leadership elevate the track with elegance and flair. Born in Australia and raised in Indonesia, Jill Desiree brings global sensibility to deeply American roots. With “Broken,” she introduces herself as a compelling, award-winning voice whose music feels intimate, timeless, and confidently her own.