JoyRide
JoyRide, 2022
8/10
A very aptly titled outfit, Colin Maier (oboe, bass, harmonica, vocals) and Charles Cozens (piano, accordion, vocals) don’t sit in one place very long across these 14 tracks that inject ragtime, blues, gypsy, classical and klezmer into their curious brand of jazz.
“Spirit Of Earth” opens the listen with light keys and soft bass as Colin and Charles look back on a charming tour story, and “Tiger Rag” follows with a swift ragtime feel as oboe acrobatics and accordion fun make for a very memorable track that brings us back many decades.
Deeper into the affair, “Rhapsody In Light Blue” interprets the Gershwin tune with much warmth where rich textures unfold with a meticulous nature, while “Air On A Blue String” recruits viola, violin and cello from members of the Burlington New Millenium Orchestra for the very mature and sweeping album highlight that improvises melody with much skill.
The strings return for the playful and bouncy rhythm and intricate harmony of “Tango de la Noche”, and Chick Corea’s “La Fiesta” exits the listen with mesmerizing piano and reflective oboe, as the pair interact with much chemistry while paying homage to a legend who passed away recently.
The addition of plenty of story telling really adds much to the appeal here, and the energy of the listen gives it a live feel. Add the variety of moods and lyrical topics, and you get a record that has something for everyone.
Travels well with: Bernie Senensky- Don’t Look Back; Greg Amirault- News Blues