Portrait of Right Now
Jocelyn Gould
Independent JGCD2405 (jocelyngould.com)
Sporting a water-tight tracklist, a phenomenal rhythm section, captivating soloing and a swing feel that never ceases to compel the feet to move, Portrait of Right Now is yet another exceptional offering from guitarist Jocelyn Gould, who yet again is in complete control of her craft.
Alongside a pair of beautifully interpreted standards, eight Gould originals can be found here, all featuring a thoroughly catchy approach to melodicism, as well as harmony that beguiles and eludes in equal measure, forcing the listener’s hand at keeping the repeat button firmly pressed as their day progresses. Largely exchanging solos between them for most of the album’s runtime, Gould and pianist Will Bonness are equal parts inimitable and playful, wowing with their fleet-fingered runs, while constantly turning heads with the clarity and audacity of their rhythmic ideas.
Accompanying them is a linkup of Jared Beckstead-Craan on bass and Curtis Nowosad on drums, simply a beautiful partnership. They effortlessly sit directly on top of the time, providing a sturdy foundation for the adventurous phrasings of the chordal voices, while also exhibiting deep listening, never missing a beat, a notion or an opportunity to jump on a synchronized comping figure. This album has the added benefit of sounding virtually perfect, with each instrument given ample room in the mix to articulate everything to the last syllable, and the physicality of every note played is palpable. What a breeze.
