Promises
A Jazzy Time Capsule That Still Shimmers
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Every once in a while, you stumble across a song that feels like a sip of perfectly chilled wine on a late summer evening. Smooth, nostalgic, and quietly exhilarating. Promises by Basia is one of those tracks.
Honestly, the first time I heard it, I wasn’t even looking for it. A classic visit to one of my favorite music stores—yep, they did exist. You choose a random album, then another, and suddenly you're listening to a Polish-born singer deliver one of the most effortlessly cool tracks of the late '80s.
I remember thinking, “Wait, who is this? And why haven’t I been listening to her forever?”
It turns out that little discovery opened the door to a whole world of jazz-pop that somehow blended the rhythmic flair of Latin music, the sophistication of jazz, and the pop sensibility of the era—all anchored by one of the most unique voices to ever glide through a melody.
So, let’s talk about Basia. But really, let’s talk about Promises.
Who’s Basia Anyway?
Basia Trzetrzelewska—yeah, try saying that five times fast—is a Polish singer who came onto the UK scene in the early '80s and brought with her something that just felt different. Her music didn’t quite fit into any one box. It wasn’t pop in the classic sense. It wasn’t full-on jazz. It wasn’t just Latin. But it carried flavors of all three—and it was undeniably her own.
Her voice? Kind of like honey with a splash of sunshine and a pinch of spice. It’s smooth, bright, and full of emotion. Not in an over-the-top dramatic way, but in a “you feel seen” kind of way. There’s clarity in her tone, but also warmth—like the musical equivalent of a handwritten letter.
And Promises might just be the perfect introduction to that voice. If you don’t already know her.
The Magic of Promises
Released in 1987 as part of her debut solo album Time and Tide, Promises is a track that feels both rooted in its time and yet kind of timeless. It’s groovy without being overbearing, jazzy without being pretentious, and catchy without being cheesy.
The song opens with a crisp, almost tropical rhythm section and immediately pulls you into this world that feels relaxed but energized. Then comes that silky voice, gliding effortlessly over lyrics about love, doubt, and the ache of empty words.
“Promises / We forget all our promises / And only keep some of the easiest / I confess I do...”
It’s a story we all know—someone making promises they couldn’t keep, we all perhaps. But in Basia’s hands, it doesn’t feel angry or bitter. It feels honest, grown-up, maybe even a little forgiving. Like a graceful “I see you now” moment rather than a dramatic goodbye.
Musically, it’s seemed so tight. The groove is there, but it’s light on its feet. The brass section sneaks in at all the right places. The chord progressions are slick but never distracting. It’s music made by musicians who know their craft and actually enjoy it.
Meet the Dream Team
And yes, let’s give credit where credit is due, because Basia didn’t do this alone. Because during the Time and Tide sessions, she was backed by an absolutely killer band, many of whom had played with her in Matt Bianco (her previous band) or were just top-tier studio musicians in their own right.
So, here’s the core crew behind Promises:
Basia Trzetrzelewska, lead vocals, co-writer
Danny White, keyboards, co-writer, production mastermind, and Basia’s longtime collaborator
Peter White, guitars (yes, Danny’s brother, and an accomplished smooth jazz artist in his own right)
Andy Ross, saxophone
Marc Parnell, Drums
Kevin Robinson, Trumpet
Steve Gregory, Saxophone (you’ve probably heard him on George Michael’s Careless Whisper)
Pauline Wilson, backing vocals
It wasn’t a group of hired hands, no sir. This was a unit—tight, nuanced, and clearly vibing with each other in the studio.
They didn’t just support Basia—they elevated her.
A Sound That Danced Across Borders
In my view, what’s especially cool about Promises and Basia’s style in general is how global it all feels. There’s the jazz sophistication you'd expect from someone raised under the influence of Ella Fitzgerald and other jazz monsters, but also this warm, breezy flavor of Brazilian samba and bossa nova. Add a sprinkle of '80s British pop production, and you’ve got something that still sounds fresh decades later.
That mix of cultures—Eastern Europe, the UK, Latin America, jazz clubs, and pop radio—came together in a way that no algorithm could have ever predicted.
And it worked. Time and Tide became a hit in the U.S. and Japan. Promises got airplay on adult contemporary and jazz stations alike.
She was breaking the rules just by showing up as herself.
SO, Why Promises Still Hits Today
Well, for me, there’s something comforting about going back to this song.
Maybe it’s because it’s rooted in real musicianship. Maybe it’s Basia’s voice, which carries this effortless elegance. Or maybe it’s just the fact that a song about love, disappointment, and resilience will always resonate. Honestly, I don’t know
In a world where music is often over-processed and crammed into genres like digital Tupperware, Promises feels human. And that’s rare.
So, if you haven’t heard it, or haven’t heard it in a while, go give it a listen. Put on your headphones, take a walk, or pour a glass of something nice. Let that horn section wrap around you, and let Basia’s voice float over you.
Let yourself feel something real.
🎶 Have you listened to Promises lately? Or ever?
What’s a song from your past that just refuses to fade?
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