Gabrielle Ducomble: Across The Bridge

Rating: ★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Saleem Raman (d)
Bill Mudge (ky)
Gabrielle Ducomble (v, p, melodica)
Fausto Beccalossi (acc)
Nick Kacal (b)
Richard Jones (vn)
Nicolas Meier (g, glissentar)

Label:

MGP Records

November/2018

RecordDate:

October 2017

Known primarily as an interpreter of songs by Legrand, Piaf, Piazzolla and more, as heard on J'ai Deux Amours (2011) and Notes From Paris (2014), this latest release by the Belgian-born, London-based artist offers something quite different, presenting 12 original songs that draw from several stylistic wells, with a particular emphasis on Parisian-style jazz, French chanson and tango. Singing in both English and French, Ducomble's pure-toned voice, impeccable phrasing and ability to really sing through the melodic line compels the attention, nowhere more so than on the incantatory, iridescent ‘Les Nympéas’. Performing on nylon, steel and 12-string guitar, Nicolas Meier is a key presence throughout, whether soloing on ‘Ride’ or holding down a simple ostinato on ‘Forest Boy’. Special guests Fausto Beccalossi (accordion) and Bill Mudge (keys) bring added colour and textural depth to proceedings, with the former's sparkling work on the tango-influenced ‘Like A Bridge Across Your Heart’ an undoubted highlight.

Follow us

Jazzwise Print

  • Latest print issues

From £5.83 / month

Subscribe

Jazzwise Digital Club

  • Latest digital issues
  • Digital archive since 1997
  • Download tracks from bonus compilation albums during the year
  • Reviews Database access

From £7.42 / month

Subscribe

Subscribe from only £5.83

Never miss an issue of the UK's biggest selling jazz magazine.

Subscribe

View the Current
Issue

Take a peek inside the latest issue of Jazzwise magazine.

Find out more