Jocelyn Gould: Portrait of Right Now

MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC (RELEASED OCTOBER 25, 2024)

Although she is inspired by Grant Green, Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery, Canadian guitarist and vocalist Joceyln Gould has a little bit of Benjamin Franklin in her as well. Afterall, it was Franklin who is credited with saying, “Honesty is the best policy,” and Portrait of Right Now is truly an honest recording. This is straight-forward mainstream jazz delivered with no histrionics, overproduction or superfluous notes. Through ten tracks, including four vocals, Gould’s articulate and artful guitar playing and her warm and expressive vocals are perfectly supported by pianist Will Bonness, bassist Jared Beckstead-Craan and drummer Curtis Nowosad. You know you’re in for a solid jazz experience from the opening track — “Portrait of Right Now” — an up-tempo blues with perfectly executed solos from Gould and Bonnees. The mainstream mood continues with more Gould originals (not to mention more outstanding solos from all band members) ranging from bebop to blues and bossa novas to ballads plus a well-played version of Wes Montgomery’s “Jingles.” If guitar playing and composing aren’t enough to impress you, Gould is also a wonderful lyricist and vocalist on originals such as
“I Haven’t Managed to Forget You” and “Spring it Seems.” Her writing is reminiscent of the Great American Songbook of which she pays homage to with a vocal rendition of the Rodgers and Hart classic “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.” My only compliant with Portrait of Right Now is the cover photo. It shows Gould sitting next to her guitar with a somewhat serious look on her face. True, the music on Portrait of Right Now is serious straight-ahead jazz, but the photo on the inside shows Jocelyn with a joyful smile which is truly more in keeping with this delightfully honest recording.

BOTTOM LINE: You get a triple scoop of Canadian Jocelyn Gould on Portrait of Right Now. There’s the guitar playing in the tradition of Grant Green, Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell, the expressive and captivating vocals and original tunes ideally suited for her talents. Top it all off with the accompaniment of top-notch rhythm section and you have a tasty delight for your ears.