A Moment In Time
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Montreal resident Olivia Maisel makes quite an impression with this debut album, where decades of personal stories unfold with a timeless jazz flavor that welcomes Thélonius Garcia, Luc Herrmann, Sergiu Popa, Noémy Braun, Alex Le Blanc and John Buck.
“Crazy He Calls Me” opens the listen with Maisel’s stunning voice alongside Garcia’s intimate piano and Herrmann’s skilled guitar in the dreamy delivery, and “My Foolish Heart” follows with Le Blanc’s precisely plucked bass adding much to poetic landscape of beauty.
Deeper into the listen, “Send In The Clowns” spotlights Maisel’s expressive voice amid the graceful keys and meticulous guitar, while “Embraceable You” finds Braun on cello for the orchestral feel of the longing album highlight.
Close to the end, “Que Reste-t-il De Nos Amours?” benefits much from Sergiu Popa’s playful accordion for the traditional French song, and “Last Time For Love” exits with a gorgeous display of guitar and vocal duo songwriting that will always be relevant.
An extremely heartfelt and emotional first album, Maisel uses her background in musical therapy for this soothing, meditative formula that anyone can draw inspiration from.
Travels well with: Mira Choquette- In Reel Time; Emily Braden- Cannon & Sparrow