| Jazz |
Here is an album that is truly delightful, very well designed, and also the debut album of the Paloma Sky Quintet, led by the conductor and trumpeter, Marie Goudy. Besides the trumpet, which provides a sumptuous backdrop to the vocal parts, it is also important to highlight the passionate vocal work of the quintet’s lead singer, Barth. Goudy’s main compositional influences are Stevie Wonder, Maria Schneider, and Kenny Wheeler. She approaches music writing as if she were writing a novel: establishing a harmonic and melodic “framework” in which the listener can immerse themselves, and using unexpected harmonic transitions as “twists” that delight the ear, ultimately culminating in a narrative climax. And far beyond these considerations, which only indicate trends, the reality is that this quintet is original enough to be recognized for its unique style.
Paloma Sky is composed of the following artists: Marie Goudy – Trumpet, Voice, Jocelyn Barth – Voice, Stu Harrison – Piano, Nick Arsenault – Bass, Voice, Andrew Scott – Drums, Voice. We particularly appreciate the trumpet sounds, which at times offer a delightful retro touch, supported by a group of striking modernity that plays with codes and styles, proving that all of these artists have a broad musical culture. This allows the singer to fully “play” with the stunningly beautiful lyrics, as if by “playing,” Jocelyn Barth does a completely convincing job of interpretation.
Four of the five musicians are also accomplished singers, and “Hold On to Me” fully exploits their skills with lush four-part vocal harmonies throughout the album. The album is produced by Elizabeth Shepherd, a six-time JUNO Award nominee, whose contribution brings a pop sensibility to an album that remains firmly rooted in its jazz foundations.
Paloma Sky’s music is appreciated by a wide audience. Even those who usually avoid jazz find themselves captivated by the band’s sound. This album has something to offer everyone, whether you’re a die-hard jazz fan or completely new to the genre. Vocal albums are not so common nowadays, and this one can certainly be considered as such, as it is clear that Marie Goudy loves and respects vocal work, which seems to be her passion when you hear how she places her instrument behind the voices – the arrangements are truly delightful.
Here, musical aesthetics are present at every level, each track standing like a painting that leads into the next, with rhythm also playing an important role. The great cohesion of this group must be commended, as they explore themes typically found in blues, which is noticeable at certain moments in their intentions. The most striking aspect is that in the end, this album could have been the soundtrack of a film, as this quintet knows so well how to tell stories. Stories that will lead you to the last track of the album, where the arrangements might remind you of James Last at times. This album delves into all possible atmospheres, with “Mexico” sounding like a colorful celebration that sets the tone for the finale! A finale we don’t wish for, because after such an album, we are already dreaming of the next one, and the one after that, as this album makes us musically greedy, a delight to savor in our “Essential Albums” category, of course!
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, September 9th 2024
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