A swinging, stately good time races through Gunhild Carling’s gleeful “Jazz Is My Lifestyle.” From the vocals to the expansive sonic palette, the rhythms go for this unhinged atmosphere. They keep things speeding up, with the horn interjections feeling downright joyful. At times, the album feels ready to give itself up for a decadent, chaotic presence completely. Many colors bloom within the overall sound, as a sense of popcraft is at play. Volume is a given, for these songs shout at the top of their lungs.
She starts the album with the title track and highlights “Jazz Is My Lifestyle,” complete with a fantastic horn section adorning her easy-going lyricism. Layers are intermingled with the dirty horns of “Shaking the Bangkok.” “Your Smile” glides through gracefully, with a tenderness residing right at the heart of each verse, serving as a tender love letter. Aptly named “Fire Alarm,” it incorporates a big band flavor within its margins. Their gentler side finally emerges on the delicacy of “Chanson.” On “Mardi Gras Blues,” they tap into a Bayou flavor, allowing for a distinctive southern twang to emerge. The fragility of “Winter’s Day” has a light foot, with the drum brushes a nice little addition to the already intimate setting. “I’ll Wait for You in San Francisco” brings the album to a close on a high note.
“Jazz Is My Lifestyle” shows how jazz is alive and kicking, with Gunhild Carling going for the decadent, uninhibited spirit that’s always been at the sound’s core.
