Hummin’ to Myself

Released in 2004, Hummin’ to Myself represents Linda Ronstadt’s final studio album of traditional pop and jazz standards, and notably her last solo studio recording before her retirement. Unlike her 1980s trilogy with Nelson Riddle, which utilized lush orchestral arrangements, this record features a stripped-back jazz quintet (including musicians like Christian McBride and Roy Hargrove). The recording context is one of pure musicality; Ronstadt sought to capture the 'small group' sound she had long admired but rarely recorded. Critics praised the album for its technical precision and emotional maturity, noting that her voice, while perhaps lacking the sheer force of her youth, had gained a rich, mahogany-like texture and a sophisticated sense of timing. It stands as a bookend to her career, showcasing her versatility by returning to the jazz roots she explored throughout her life, but with the wisdom of a veteran performer who no longer feels the need to prove her power.