Olivia Foschi, A Window Within Review
Olivia Foschi’s A Window Within Reflects on Love, Loss, and Resilience
by Sylvannia Garutch
Olivia Foschi’s A Window Within is a poignant and memorable journey through love, loss, heritage, and resilience, all framed by her delightful vocal artistry. The album, self-released on June 8, 2024, is Foschi’s third offering, and it marks a return to the core of her artistic and personal identity, inspired by individual losses and the global challenges of recent years.
Foschi’s background, blending her San Francisco roots with an Italian upbringing, is a vibrant thread throughout the album. Her rich musical education, from jazz to Nepali vocal techniques and the rhythmic intricacies of konnakol, has shaped a voice that is technically brilliant and highly expressive. A Window Within is the culmination of these experiences, crafted alongside a top-tier ensemble featuring drummer and co-producer Mauricio Zottarelli, pianist Matt King, bassist Marco Panascìa, and guitarist Vinicius Gomes. Together, they shape an album that is as emotionally resonant as it is musically diverse.
The album opens with “Caught Me By Surprise,” where Foschi uses konnakol’s percussive style to evoke the exhilarating experience of love at first sight. The rhythmic propulsion and technicality mirror the emotional whirlwind, and Foschi’s ability to maintain precise breath control and pitch showcases her vocal artistry. It’s a strong introduction that immediately draws listeners into her world.
“Pieces of Central Park” shifts into a more introspective space, with Foschi reflecting on the park’s duality of love and loneliness. Her tender vocal delivery captures the fleeting beauty of these moments, and the arrangement, co-created with Matt King, provides a delicate backdrop that enhances the emotional weight of the song’s well-written lyrics.
“Live With It” is a high-energy piece that thrives on spontaneity, representing the organic collaboration between Foschi and Zottarelli. The rhythmic interplay between drums and vocals builds a lively conversation, and the track’s groove and improvisational feel make it a standout moment, especially for those attuned to jazz’s more experimental side.
“Cun la Préma Stëla” sees Foschi reconnecting with her Italian heritage, reviving a traditional post-war song with a fresh voice, cajon, and guitar arrangement. The joy and vibrancy of this track are infectious, and it fits seamlessly among Foschi’s original compositions, offering a heartfelt nod to the past while remaining firmly grounded in the present.
“Nona” stands as one of the album’s most emotionally charged tracks. Foschi’s tribute to her grandmother, who passed away during the early days of the pandemic, is sung with palpable love and sorrow. Her vocal delivery is precise in its refined ability to convey pitch and emotion, and the interplay between her voice and King’s piano further builds upon this atmosphere. It’s a song that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of loss during these tumultuous times.
“East Wind” explores global and personal change. Foschi’s voice floats effortlessly over a rhythmical backdrop of Zottarelli’s drums and percussion, mirroring the uncertainties and resilience she reflects on. Panascia, Zottarelli, and Gomes’s world jazz groove create a space for Foschi’s contemplative lyric journey, with Foschi’s nuanced vocal delivery making vivid phrasing.
“Savoring the Rain” transports listeners to a serene setting, with Foschi’s voice gliding over a bossa nova rhythm in odd meter. The imagery of rain falling on a glass ceiling is beautifully captured in her warm, relaxed tone, making this track a moment of pure musical escapism.
The album winds down with a beautiful ballad, “Subtle Farewell,” an introspective reflection on the continuous cycle of endings and beginnings. Foschi’s vocal phrasing here is particularly striking, as she conveys a sense of closure and anticipation for what lies ahead. The lyrical depth of this track, paired with its delicate arrangement, makes it a fitting penultimate piece. Gomes’ guitar fills around Foschi’s vocals, which are sensitive and expressive. King’s solo continues Foschi’s vocal energy and flow.
“John John Joel and Joan” closes the album on a lively note, blending konnakol vocals with a playful narrative about discovery and reconnection. The vocal harmonies and textures she creates are imaginative and reflect an outstanding world jazz perspective. This track encapsulates the album’s spirit, combining Foschi’s diverse influences and her collaborative, adventurous approach to music-making. It’s a fitting end to an album that celebrates life’s intricacies and the universal power of music to heal and connect.
In A Window Within, Olivia Foschi demonstrates her exceptional vocal talent and her ability to channel deeply personal experiences into universal music. Her blend of jazz, world music influences, and emotional storytelling creates an album that feels like a shared journey that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love, loss, and renewal. This is an imaginative, resonant work from a vocalist at the height of her powers.
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