I’ve mentioned Swedish songstress and multi-instrumentalist wonder Gunhild Carling a few times here before, but people generally don’t describe her as an incomparably great vocalist, or as brilliantly talented and imaginative. This is an example of a player. And yet, even though I’ve praised her many times, I’ve never reviewed a single Carling record. Things have changed with the recognition of her new album “Jazz is My Lifestyle”.
The 49-year-old blonde bombshell trombonist is perhaps best known for his unique spin on jazz standards, often playing multiple instruments, sometimes simultaneously. Others may know her Scott Bradley’s Postmodern Jukebox collaboration. There she covers Abba, Madonna, Rick Astley and more in speakeasy style. But believe it or not, there’s more to this Scandinavian superstar. Carling also turns out to be a talented composer, with 11 of her original songs packed into this one disc.
It’s a combination of different vintage jazz styles, with a variety of tempos, and most are very danceable. The record was full of New Orleans fun, referencing two-tone shoes, Victory Rolls, and a Ford Model T, and named standards like “April in Paris” and “Autumn in New York.” It starts with the title song. The song feels part mission statement, part coming-out track, and part invitation, and it appeals to jazz geeks, vintage fashion enthusiasts, and swing dancers like myself. It is a hymn to the people. It’s great to hear a song as fun and welcoming as the dance scene, and I can see it becoming popular among Lindy hoppers around the world in the near future.
“Shaking the Bangkok” has a bit of a 90s swing revival to it, featuring an instrumental that features both “Sing Sing Sing” and “Digga Digga Doo.” Big brass hits ring out against Carling’s guttural growl, reminiscent of neon zoot suits and hot rod cars. Things slow down without borrowing too much with the torch song “I Desire You,” which takes inspiration from the likes of “Moonlight in Vermont” and “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.” There’s even a novel addition that begins with a harp solo and is sprinkled throughout the rest of the track.
“Your Smile Makes the Difference” is a cute song with (to my ears) an almost obvious inspiration. Even though the chord sequences aren’t the same, if you sing “When You’re Smiling” in the middle section, you’ll notice that it fits pretty well. I suspect that “Fire Alarm” is an homage to the whiplash-inducing song “Congelou,” from that scene in the Hollywood classic Hellzapoppin, featuring Slim and Slam, Frankie Manning, and the Harlem Congelou Dancers. I think so. This is a classy compliment (if I’m thinking correctly) and another piece that is sure to please Lindy hoppers around the world.
“Chanson” is a cool, meditative track, but paced enough to dance to. Reminiscent of Herb Alpert and Lalo Schiffrin, this song could easily have appeared in a ’60s spy thriller. Carling’s trumpet is beautifully trembling and sad, like a bee trapped in a milk bottle (in a good way). “Mardi Gras Blues” also leans into the neo-swing aesthetic of Royal Crown Revue and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and features tight harmony vocals reminiscent of Christina Aguilera’s hit “Candy Man.” Is that a jazz penny whistle solo?
“Cosmic Drive” is another cool number, touring the solar system and taking a theremin along on the journey. “Winter’s Day” gives a “Strangers in the Night” vibe, but with a festive lyrical theme. Give it a listen at your next Christmas swing dance. “You Are the Music” forms a clever bookend to the album, opening with Carling declaring that music is her life, and ending with Carling confessing that music is actually you. It ends. It’s a fun, Rat Pack-like number with the energy of “Fly Me to the Moon” and a nod to music nerds, “You’re the melody, you’re the bass, you’re the orchestration.” , rekeying, rearranging, and harmonizing.”
“I’ll Wait For You In San Francisco” serves as an encore and a great showcase of Carling’s versatile talents. She has played for the King of Sweden several times and this number speaks for itself more than any other match. It begins with a regal fanfare, transitions into a cute ukulele and piano duet, and then returns in full force, packed with orchestral arrangements, strings, and flutes. It deserves a standing ovation, but it goes to show why curling continues to get big gigs. She’s simply A-list.
Thanks to high-profile appearances on television, online and on jazz’s biggest stages, Carling has achieved a level of celebrity known to only a few swing musicians since the swing era. She’s as close to modern-day swing royalty as you can get. In the pantheon of pre-bebop jazz stars, as a singer, performer, and composer, history will undoubtedly rank her alongside Ella, Louis, and Duke. And this record even surpasses that. The reason for such praise. It will be released on the Jazz Art label in September. Look for it at any good record store, buy it from Carling’s website or stream it now on Spotify.
jazz is my lifestyle
gunhild curling
gunhildcurling.net
