This is a very classic and well-constructed album by Juno Award winner Jocelyn Gould, guitarist and vocalist. To be honest, this kind of guitar playing is not rare, nor even exceptional – it’s just close to perfection. Vocally, it’s also very classic and highly enjoyable to listen to, but don’t expect any form of originality here. There is a large audience of jazz lovers for this style, a crowd that will be delighted to discover a new artist. The album’s title track is a snapshot of Gould’s current artistic state, reflecting her journey from a self-taught guitarist to a globally recognized jazz artist. Among the standout tracks are ‘Jingles,’ a fiery tribute to her guitar hero, Wes Montgomery, and ‘Spring, It Seems,’ a vulnerable exploration of life as a touring musician. Accompanied by an exceptional group including Will Bonness on piano, Curtis Nowosad on drums, and Jared Beckstead-Craan on bass, Gould creates a dynamic and interactive soundscape that captivates listeners from start to finish.
I would have appreciated the track ‘You’re in Somewhere,’ which really seems to be the kind of music that best fits Jocelyn Gould’s artistic universe. It’s a shame that the entire album doesn’t follow this trend, as it would have changed my overall view of the album, which feels a bit scattered. Perhaps the life of a guitarist necessitates proving that you can quickly standardize yourself by showing you can play clean notes, but in 2024, we’re entitled to expect more. Upon deeper listening, I found myself bored. As it stands, it’s more of a background music album, though it’s clear that Brazilian rhythms seem closer to her inspirations, and it’s regrettable that the album doesn’t fully lean in that direction.
The album is more of a demonstration of various styles, making it difficult to form a clear opinion of this guitarist as a composer. Guitar enthusiasts or players will find a kind of study here that will help them progress, and fans of very classic jazz will be delighted. Others will find satisfaction in many of the albums we deem essential. This album earns three stars, as the musicians are all excellent, but we’re left wanting the chance to discover a true style, a personality, because this album unfortunately resembles many others without managing to stand out…
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, October 8th 2024
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