Marie Goudy – Trumpet & Voice
Jocelyn Barth – Voice
Brad Eaton – Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Matt Woroshyl – Alto & Soprano Saxophones
John Nicholson – Tenor Saxophone & Voice
Conrad Gluch – Baritone Saxophone
Charlotte Alexander – French Horn
Paul Tarussov – Trombone
Zach Smith – Trombone
Chris Platt – Guitar
Josh Smiley – Piano
Alex Lakusta – Bass
Keagan Eskritt – Drums
Andrés Gándara – Vihuela
Toronto trumpeter and composer Marie Goudy’s debut album The Bitter Suite is an ambitious and beautiful act of storytelling – a vivid depiction of young love as reflected in the distinct character of each of the year’s four seasons. This haunting, lyrical song cycle features her lifelong friend, vocalist Jocelyn Barth, and 10 of Toronto’s most exciting young instrumentalists.
In four movements, the lyrics express the excitement of new summer love; the warmth and comfort of a new partnership in autumn; the distinctive chill that only heartbreak in winter can bring; and the wistfulness of spring, when new growth brings a reminder of past loves now lost.
The Bitter Suite is an exciting addition to Canada’s large jazz ensemble tradition. Producer John MacLeod – one of Canada’s best known big band leaders and trumpeters – helps connect it to that storied history. In addition to jazz influences, The Bitter Suite is also heavily informed by mariachi music, a style in which Marie has worked for years – it features pieces written in the Son Jailciense and Huapango styles.