Denielle Bassels swings for the fences with class and sass on her vibrant and varied new album It Goes Like This — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Whisking you from the concert hall to the corner bar to the basement speakeasy, the third studio album from the Juno-nominated Canadian vocal powerhouse is testament to both her singing and songwriting prowess. Fusing a variety of vintage styles with contemporary sonics and smarts, It Goes Like This dances along a unique path that playfully explores (and nimbly crosses) the boundaries of jazz, folk, blues, swing, Tin Pan Alley pop and more. Under dim lights, with a bottomless glass of cognac, it invites listeners into a space where every note and lyric tell a tale.
Back by her stellar band, Bassels confidently takes centre stage on these 10 tracks, weaving a tapestry of melodies with warm, velvety tones, and electrifying belting. She expands her horizons this time out, delving deeper into production and arrangement, joining forces with acclaimed songwriters like Gemini winner Lily Frost, versatile producer, violinist and arranger Drew Jurecka — and, for the first time, her sister Amber Bassels.
Listeners are treated to diverse musical landscapes, and allowed access to the heart of her artistic expression. She paints the musical canvas of the moment with emotions, thoughts, and reflections gathered in her past, showcasing the transformative power of music. Each note carries the weight of grit, wisdom, and grace, creating a space where authenticity reigns supreme, differences are celebrated, and music becomes a powerful vessel for personal yet universal storytelling. It Goes Like This is enchanting, enthralling and entertaining.
From a husky whisper to a full-on scream, and through that cycle again, the opening track Lighthouse builds to a wildly frenetic peak of interpolated piano (by Ewen Farncombe) and violin (by Jurecka) solos, reflecting the intense internal turmoil in Bassels’ soul. Sassy, brassy, and bold, Woman Like Me is a down-and-dirty blues, and a declaration of independence for all women. Co-written with sibling Amber, it’s propelled by the exuberant soloing of pianist Ewen Farncombe, and the wild, growling trumpet of Alexis Baro.
Bassels transforms the jazz standard Strange Love into a powerful romantic ballad about forgiveness and moving on. In a masterful vocal performance, she infuses the lush, piano-driven arrangement with deep, heartfelt emotion. Songbird finds Bassels foraying into a gorgeous folk ballad with country vibes. In a tender-hearted vocal performance, she tells the story of a joyful songbird by day who becomes a lonesome wolf by night. It captures the emotional turmoil of losing a troubled partner, and the burden of mourning in silence.
Emmêlée is a tightly percolating, exuberant romp of Django Reinhardt gypsy jazz, about the rollercoaster of crises people face when dealing with depression. The French lyrics were transcribed and recreated by Québec’s poet laureate of 2022, Paul Ruban. Chasin’ Butterflies — with its sultry vocals and gently evocative instrumentation, recalling the haunting melodies of Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse — explores the struggle of trying to break free from toxic love patterns, and learning to trust oneself after repeated heartbreak.
Gunna Be Hell is an anti-wedding-proposal song that brings a sassy, playful twist to a classic ’50s vibe, with a catchy piano melody and Andrews Sisters-type harmonies. It’s based on a true story of a disastrous proposal from a long-term boyfriend, leading to the realization that marriage isn’t in the cards. Winter Dream, written during a retreat in Northern Ontario, was inspired by the sight of a three-foot blanket of snow sparkling in the morning sun. The serene, captivating melody blends the smooth rhythms of bossa nova with the influences of Laufey, Liane La Havas and Astrud Gilberto.
Stone Love is a slow ballad full of hypnotic vibes about the magic of pure, everlasting love. Inspired by a conversation with a friend about what it means to find true love. It’s like it was always there, from eons ago, and it just grows relentlessly, until it’s strong and immovable as a mountain. Bassels’ take on the classic American Songbook standard, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, offers a super-swinging version, recorded in a single take at the end of a seven-hour recording session. It hits all the right notes and grooves.
That’s nothing new for Bassels. The indie-swing sensation and 2024 Juno nominee Bassels routinely captivates audiences with her potent fusion of jazz manouche, blues, folk and pop. Denielle’s uniquely powerful voice, reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald and Norah Jones, delivers solid heart punches and unforgettable performances. From sweet Doris Day melodies to the ferocity of Big Mama Thornton, Denielle’s vocal versatility, coupled with her natural storytelling flair, creates an enchanting concert experience that lingers in the minds of her listeners.
Her journey as an artist reflects her resilience and commitment to her craft. She has weathered industry challenges and personal trials with a sense of humour and fortitude, using every experience as fuel for her creative expression. Drawing inspiration from her experiences, Denielle continues to push boundaries, seeking out new collaborations and experimenting with different sounds and textures. Her work defies categorization but is always grounded in authenticity, emotional depth, and respect for the jazz tradition.
Check out It Goes Like This below and keep up with Denielle Bassels on her website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
