Way North

New Dreams, Old Stories

Roots2Boot, 2022

9/10

Listen to New Dreams, Old Stories

An avant-folk outfit comprised of Rebecca Hennessy (trumpet, vocals), Petr Cancura (tenor sax, vocals), Michael Herring (bass, vocals), and Richie Barshay (drums, vocals), as Way North the quartet draw influences from jazz, bebop, and folk music as far as South America and the American South.

“Play” starts the listen with warm brass, frisky drums and bouncy bass illuminating the timeless jazz, groove filled spirit, and “I’m Here To Stay” follows with a more firm approach of lively sax, bright trumpet and drum acrobatics in the festive climate that tips it hat to the blues.

Halfway through, “If Charlie Haden Couldn’t Write A Song To Bring World Peace, What Hope Is There For Me” brings the pace back to balladry, with emotive brass and restrained drums making for a very reflective tone, while “Dr. Good” showcases the strong bass playing and dynamic interaction between the horns for a swingin’ good time.

Inching towards the end, the cautious textures of “Come Over To Our House” emits much beauty and warmth that you won’t be able to not sing along to, and “When You Say Goodnight To Me” exits the listen bare, soothing and with much culture to be appreciated.

A very diverse outing that you could often dance to, this 3rd album from Way North brings a wealth of talent and experience from the accomplished members, and it just might be the best jazz hybrid album of 2022.

Travels well with: Yannick Rieu Génération Quartet- Qui Qu’en Grogne; Yves Léveillé- L'échelle du temps