We’ve covered bassoonist and composer Joy Guidry on several occasions in recent years. First with album Radical Acceptance on Whited Sepulchre Records which blended classical, ambient and jazz sensibilities with spoken word in an exploration of identity. “A personal practice brought to life in music,” as we called it, which offered new visions of ways we might “connect with the reality of one’s identity in a way beyond labels, and learn to love it precisely for what it is.” Single ‘Almost There’ followed, a song, we continued, which “isolate[d] the more reserved, reflective aspects of Radical Acceptance and [dug] deeper into their significance.” If there is healing in the mindful present, then Guidry looked to tap into it to realise “a kind of in situ music,” as we put it, “which doesn’t so much recreate an environment as continue it, preserving the calm which exists within the smallest of details.”
This May, Joy Guidry returns with AMEN, a brand new full-length album which represents both a continuation of these prior themes and an evolution of their sound. Again released via Whited Sepulchre, the record boasts the newly prominent influence of gospel and spiritual jazz, though the affirming release of such styles is balanced the ambient calm introduced on ‘Almost There’. Described as “a hug to their younger self,” first single ‘Day By Day’ tends towards the latter end of the spectrum, with Guidry conjuring a fluid soundscape with their bassoon, while Scott Li’s keys trace curious routes upon its currents.
If ‘Day By Day’ is a reflective segue, then latest single ‘Members Don’t Get Weary’ offers the full dynamic picture of the record’s visionary sound. It’s a tribute to Max Roach which collides jazz and church music into something devotional. Jillian Grace and Ekep Nkwelle lend their vocals and the talents of Morgan Guerin, Tyrone Allen, Kalia Vandever, Jon Thomas and Jessie Cox all support Guidry’s bassoon, though there is the persistent sense that the true number of collaborators is far greater. The song lifted upon the energies of those who came before. “In AMEN there is a lot experimentation with different forms of Black American music,” Guidry explains. “I wanted to lean heavily on my Texas, Louisiana and Creole roots in this project. There were many days spent with my ancestors during the writing of this album and I’m eternally grateful for the music they sang to me during our time together.”
The result is at once communal and singular. Joy Guidry as realised in their most complete form to date. “I hear other artists say, ‘I put my life and soul into this.’ And I could never relate because I have never been in an emotional place where I can just let go and not be afraid of vulnerability,” as Guidry continues. “But now, I’ve finally made a project that resonates with me so deeply from beginning to end. I’m so happy where I am in life, and “Amen” truly represents that there was no bullshit as I went into this.”
AMEN is out on the 10th May via Whited Sepulchre Records and you can pre-order it now.