Jocelyn Gould – ‘So Delighted’

Canadian jazz guitarist and composer Jocelyn Gould has unveiled her fifth studio album, "So Delighted," presenting a fresh take on the organ trio tradition deeply rooted in jazz history. The album serves as both a homage and a contemporary reinvention, drawing inspiration from legendary guitarists such as Kenny Burrell, Joe Pass, and Wes Montgomery, who famously performed in organ-based ensembles.

The core ensemble on "So Delighted" features Gould on guitar, Ben Paterson on Hammond B3 organ, and Fabio Ragnelli on drums. This core trio is expanded by contributions from guest artists, including acclaimed Canadian saxophonist Christine Jensen, trumpeter Jon Challoner, and guitarist Joey Landreth. Their presence adds textural depth and diverse tonal colors to the record’s soundscape.

Gould’s approach on this album balances reverence for jazz traditions with her personal creative voice. The tracklist comprises ten pieces, evenly split between original compositions by Gould and selected works by esteemed composers such as Neal Hefti, Jerome Kern, Oscar Peterson, and Gerald Wilson. This blend illustrates Gould’s intent to both celebrate and reinterpret jazz standards alongside her own material.

The album opens with a brisk rendition of Oscar Peterson’s "Cakewalk," showcasing Gould’s interpretation of Joe Pass’s guitar phrasing, supported by Paterson’s faithful Hammond organ lines echoing Peterson’s piano style. This energetic introduction sets the tone for the album’s explorations into varied tempos and moods.

"Amethyst," one of Gould’s originals, shifts into a straightforward bebop style, featuring Challoner’s trumpet carrying the melodic lead while Gould offers comping support before returning to deliver the closing melody herself. This track exemplifies the album’s dynamic interplay and Gould’s skillful balance between accompaniment and soloing.

A notable highlight of "So Delighted" is the collaboration with Christine Jensen, marking a significant musical partnership between two prominent Canadian jazz figures. Their duet on "June Moon" unfolds as a delicate conversation between saxophone and guitar, underscored by Paterson’s sensitive organ work, producing an evocative atmosphere contrasting with the album’s more upbeat moments.

Paying tribute even to personal connections, "Cleo’s Countdown" is dedicated to Gould’s cat and features a swinging guitar solo reminiscent of Wes Montgomery’s style. The track includes a spirited drum solo by Ragnelli and a playful saxophone introduction, reflecting Gould’s ability to intertwine personal narrative with jazz vocabulary.

The album also revisits Gould’s earlier work with a reimagined slower version of "The Game Changer," initially released on her 2020 debut album, "Elegant Traveler." The reworking incorporates Landreth’s wah-wah guitar textures, imparting a rootsy, Americana feel alongside Gould’s archtop guitar tones, demonstrating her evolving artistry and openness to genre fusion.

"Girl Talk," with its somewhat controversial lyrical history, is transformed into a laid-back, blues-infused ballad that highlights Gould’s delicate and precise melodic picking. This approach reflects her sensitivity to the material and a modern reinterpretation that sidesteps the original’s problematic elements.

Overall, "So Delighted" stands as a testament to Jocelyn Gould’s ability to honor jazz’s rich legacy while imbuing it with contemporary relevance and personal expression. By assembling a blend of original works and classic tunes, augmented by skilled collaborators, the album offers a polished and engaging listening experience that underscores the vitality of the organ trio format today.

With "So Delighted," Gould not only pays tribute to her jazz forebears but also charts a path forward, reaffirming her status as a significant and innovative voice within the Canadian and international jazz scenes.