Golden Hour
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The guitarist and vocalist Jocelyn Gould returns with a sophomore album, where Will Bonness, Rodney Whitaker, Quincy Davis and Jon Gordon accompany her on 6 originals and 4 American songbook standards that are full of dynamic and swing friendly compositions that don’t shy away from calm moments, too.
The title track starts the listen with Bonness’ finger acrobatics on piano as the warm guitar lines and precise drumming make an indelible mark, and “Horizons” follows with a more intimate appeal of gorgeous singing from Gould, as well as Gordon’s well timed sax prowess.
Halfway through, “Gemini” displays incredibly meticulous piano playing alongside Whitaker’s strategic bass in the flowing climate, while “Lover Come Back To Me” brings a stirring display of very poetic guitar playing that builds into a very quick and exciting jazz rocker.
The final 2 tracks, “Tides Are Turning” and “Bright Note”, are equally well executed, where the former shimmers with a reflective tone of cozy beauty, and the latter glides with an upbeat quality that meshes frisky bass, agile keys, lively drums, soulful brass and playful guitar into a timeless jazz exit.
Gould picked up a Juno Award with her 2021 debut Elegant Traveler, and this body of work is certainly as luminous, memorable and rich.
Travels well with: Will Bonness- Change Of Plans; Richard Whiteman- Very Well & Good