Mindi Abair, GRAMMY-nominated and acclaimed saxophonist released her most personal and genre-defying 14th studio album to date, Based On a True Story, via her label Pretty Good For A Girl Records.
Based On a True Story is a bold, modern album inspired by Mindi’s real-life journey with a deeply personal collection of songs that convey moments, memories, and emotions through music.
“My life over the past few years has felt like a fairy tale,” says Mindi. “I created WineandJazz.com with my husband Eric, and we now take people around the world to beautiful destinations where we immerse in the culture, the food, the wine, and of course the music. These experiences have shaped me and expanded my mind in so many ways. This record and these songs are a direct reflection of this beautiful journey.”
Produced by multi-platinum producer/songwriter Wayne Rodrigues and Contemporary Jazz powerhouse Mindi Abair, and mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Tony Maserati, the album is rich in lush arrangements and heartfelt storytelling. Based on a True Story is a genre-blending experience—pop-driven with Contemporary Jazz and Soul undercurrents—that’s as authentic as it is unforgettable.
The eleven-track album takes the listener on a soulful journey through jazz, funk, and pop. We open with “Day Dreaming” to set a breezy tone, followed by the sultry but sophisticated pulse of “A Thousand Miles.” “Oooh-Aah (Catalina)” paints a picture of summer in a bottle with a sun-kissed homage to carefree days on the coast. At the same time “The Way That You Love Me” brings a funk-pop glamour featuring shimmering vocals from Delisha Thomas—best known for writing hits for Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, and Justin Bieber. The album closes with “The Rundown,” a cinematic bass-driven finale featuring legendary bassist Marcus Miller.
But it’s “3rd Street Promenade,” the hypnotic duet weaving an effortless conversation that reunites Mindi with Contemporary Jazz icon Bobby Lyle to reflect on a pivotal moment in her career. What began with Lyle discovering Mindi busking on the streets of Santa Monica blossomed into a beautiful friendship. It was then, that he invited her to play on his album that very week, and now, years later, the story comes full circle as Bobby makes his debut on one of Mindi’s albums. It is a true reunion of artistry, mutual respect, and a friendship rooted in music.
TRACKLIST:
Based On A True Story
- Day Dreaming
- A Thousand Miles
- Oooh-Aah (Catalina)
- The Way That You Love Me featuring Delisha Thomas
- 3rd Street Promenade featuring Bobby Lyle
- Siena Sunrise
- Nouveau Soul
- Fool’s Gold featuring Kenny Lattimore
- Falling In Love featuring Delisha Thomas
- Everything’s Gonna Be All Right featuring Arthur Thompson
- The Rundown featuring Marcus Miller
Listen to Based on a True Story with Mindi Abair
