Is This A Dream?
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
This 4th album from the pianist Will Bonness spans many emotions and mental states, where Virginia MacDonald, Jocelyn Gould, Allison Au, Daniel Fortin, Andrew Goodlett and Fabio Ragnelli are on hand for the 9 tracks.
“Round And Round”, an original, starts the listen with Bonness’ fluid keys amid Goodlett and Fortin’s precise bass for the mesmerizing and rich climate, and “I Get Along Without You Very Well” follows with Gould’s stunning voice guiding the reflective and intimate tone.
In the middle, “Dusk” spotlights Bonness’ graceful keys and Gould’s playful scatting alongside Ragnelli’s light drumming, while “Blood Count”, by Billy Strayhorn, makes great use of MacDonald’s clarinet for the moody and emotive album highlight.
“Odd Serenade” and “Don’t Fence Me In” exit the record, where the former shines with Gould’s light vocals alongside the meticulous keys and flowing clarinet, and the latter, a Cole Porter tune, benefits from Au’s soulful saxophone and Fortin’s strategic bass plucking for the poetic finish.
A body of work that allows the listeners to think of their own stories for each track, the Rorschach test cover art may be ambiguous, but the off kilter rhythms and no lack of melodies make it very clear that Bonness’ colorful vision is ideal for any jazz fan.
Travels well with: James McGowan Ensemble- Reaching In; The Artie Roth Quartet- Resonants