A devoted Francophile, Wilkins’ connection to the language and culture runs deep. Having lived in Normandy as a teenager and studied both French and music at university, Rêverie is a natural extension of her artistic identity. These chansons become vehicles for bold improvisation and vivid storytelling, each piece reworked into fresh modern contexts while retaining the poetry and romance of the originals.

“One night, while driving home from a gig, I was listening to a French music show on the radio and heard a track by Yves Montand, ‘Sa Jeunesse.’ I was instantly captivated and knew I had to perform it myself. That moment sparked the entire project. I fell in love with the poetry of these songs and the time-capsule effect they have.”

Recorded over two days at Porcupine Studios in South-East London, the album’s sound has the warmth and energy of live performance at its core. Featuring dynamic interplay between Wilkins and her trio, Rêverie highlights both ensemble chemistry and intimate duo moments. 

Across the album’s eleven tracks, Wilkins showcases her unique gift for song interpretation, drawing on her own experiences to imbue each piece with a personal touch. Her expressive vocal delivery alongside the trio’s profound senses of musicality and taste present well-loved classics like ‘La Mer’ as refined, intimate quartet arrangements. Meanwhile, selections such as ‘Je Hais Les Dimanches’ revel in wry storytelling, with constantly evolving grooves and Rhodes textures adding a contemporary edge to the chanson spirit.

“I find playing this music really special, and I’m always struck by how much of the stories come through to audiences, even those who don’t speak French. Initially, I handed out translations at gigs, but I noticed people stopped using them—they were connecting with the music in a way that transcended language. As jazz musicians, we’re used to telling stories without words, and this project is a testament to that.”

Rêverie is Wilkins’ deeply personal homage to chanson, a project that merges nostalgia with reinvention. It invites listeners into a world of wistful melodies and sweeping daydreams, where every performance is a new journey through time, memory, and improvisation.