Half Notes: Jamie Ousley – A Sea of Voices (2012)

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In many ways, it’s all come together for Jamie Ousley on A Sea of Voices, issued January 10 on Tie Records. The Miami-based double bassist had already developed an affinity for performing jazz concerts in churches, a tradition Ousley was introduced to during a stint playing with Ira Sullivan. Then, he decided to make a water-themed recording as a benefit project in support of an environmental cause. Enter the Sunshine State Interfaith Power and Light organization, whose mission is to mobilize faith communities in Florida to care for the world around us. All of sudden, his idea had found the perfect platform, and the perfect setting. The result is a smart leap forward from his well-regarded previous release Back Home, and one filled with introspection, beauty and no small amount of illumination. Ousley and a band that includes pianist Joe Davidian and drummer Austin McMahon find an emotional peak during their deeply effective reworking of Coldplay’s “Swallowed in the Sea,” from 2005’s X&Y. Other key cuts include the originals “Holy Water” and “Loving Beauty.”

‘Half Notes’ are quick-take thoughts on music from Something Else! Reviews, presented whenever the mood strikes us.

Nick DeRiso