In case her fans didn’t get the memo over the course of her extraordinary 25 year recording and performing career, crazy talented vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Gunchild Carling makes a bold and fun – if super obvious – declaration via the title of her triumphant 10th album: Jazz Is My Lifestyle!
Though full of her compelling originals, the buoyant collection is a celebration of sharply and adventurously arranged big band music of the era when it was considered “pop,” with the singer complementing her explosive trumpet and trombone mastery with guest soloists Scotty Barnhart (trumpet) and Chloe Feoranzo (clarinet), a 20-piece ensemble and the lush support of The Prague Strings Chamber Orchestra.
While Carling includes several romantic slow dance numbers – most notably, the dreamy, charming instrumental “Chanson” and her warmhearted vocal sure to keep us cozy on a “Winter’s Day” – for the most part she and her many dynamic compatriots are keep traditions poppin’ and groovin’ with spritely, energized gems like the boisterous New Orleans styled title track, the booming romp “Shaking the Bangkok,” a playfully swinging “Your Smile Makes the Difference,” the fast, fiery and furious “Fire Alarm” and the set’s second NOLA party “Mardi Gras Blues,” which features a festive female choir.
Whether she’s charming us with her sultry vocal magic or joining in on the hard-partying joy, Gunchild Carling makes jazz hip, fun and something we can’t stop listening to!
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