Life’s A Gig
Fresh Sound, 2024
8/10
The esteemed vocalist Vanisha Gould and skilled pianist Chris McCarthy are joined by Kayla Williams on viola for these warm and welcoming 9 jazz tracks.
“Cool” starts the listen with McCarthy’s animated keys and Gould’s expressive pipes that make for a frisky delivery, and “Aisha” follows with a poetic intimacy that radiates much beauty from the flowing piano and heartfelt singing.
In the middle, “Fall In Love With Me In Fall” rumbles a bit, as the finger acrobatics shine amid the touching vocals and stirring strings, while the Dolly Parton classic, “Jolene”, retains the memorableness of the original thanks to Gould’s distinct tone and the elegant piano.
Close to the end, “No More” carries a firm presence via Gould and McCarthy’s strategic interaction, and “Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea” exits with a lively and energetic display of songwriting dynamics that will always be enjoyable.
Influences from Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Joni Mitchell won’t be hard to spot here, as Gould, McCarthy and Williams creative emotive and touching song craft via both the covers and originals.
Travels well with: Stephen Philip Harvey- Library Card; Chris Mondak- Blank With Colour