Joy Guidry - Amen - ecstatic spiritual jazz & gospel numbers, including Max Roach's "Members Don't Get Weary", nestled among serene ambient tracks
AMEN is the 3rd release by bassoonist / composer / producer Joy Guidry. Representing a major step up in her ability to fully realize and embody a sound and concept, AMEN moves from rousing, rafter-splitting spiritual jazz and gospel compositions to ambient compositions that create a powerful statement of communal healing and peace. The album features contributions by Niecy Blues, Kalia Vandever, Jillian Grace, and Jessie Cox.
Guidry is a visionary. Her keen understanding of how different genres of music can speak to and meld into one another mimics the intricacies and interwoven elements of life. Her releases include commissioned works as well as her debut full-length Radical Acceptance released in 2022.
Recognizing her trans identity and embracing the need to make difficult decisions with the people in her life brought forth the heart of Radical Acceptance. “There's nothing wrong with us. There's nothing wrong with any of us, when we look in the mirror, and we see something wrong, that was purely taught,” Guidry says. “I felt like I could never walk into my life. So after releasing Radical Acceptance, it was time for me to truly practice radical acceptance and understanding and practicing radical self love.”
Amen is the next step forward, one that calls in the power of community when embodying our true selves. “I wanted to give a voice and give power and provide community to the people I love and truly care for on this record by tackling songs and challenging myself,” Guidry says. “I knew I got the right people, the right community to drive it home, to take my ideas and really bring it together.”
Performers: Jillian Grace, Ekep Nkwelle, Jay St. Flo, Niecy Blues, Keiyaa, Alexvndria, Kalia Vandever, Morgan Guerin, Tyrone Allen, Jon Thomas, Jessie Cox, Diego Gaeta, Scott Li, Brandon Cordoba
Audio Sample on "Pick and Choose": Pastor E. Dewey Smith
Photo By: Nykelle Devivo
