Search - Joyce Cooling :: Third Wish

Experiencing the joy of life

Thomas D. Osborne II | Los Angeles, CA USA | 09/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first time I heard Joyce Cooling, I was driving in my car and listening to the radio. I reached my destination before the song came to an end, so I just sat there in the parking lot to hear the rest of the song and to keep listening through the next two or three songs (not hers, unfortunately), until the DJ had finished his set and could announce the name of the song--so I could go buy it. This happened to be "Callie" from the album KEEPING COOL, which I bought within a few days and have loved ever since. Soon after that, I bought her earlier album, PLAYING IT COOL, and those two albums were enough to put Joyce Cooling on my "buy every album as they come out" list (and, dare I say it, "sing or hum along with" list).Which brought me to this one, THIRD WISH, her latest, and it is, simply, as good as the others, which is very high praise, because she has continued along the same warm and loving path.I have an image of Joyce walking down the street or driving in her car or swinging on a swing by the ocean as the setting sun lies a golden pathway across the water and every second she is peacefully absorbing every joyful nuance. This is a woman who truly loves everything in life--her body, her thoughts and feelings, and every fragrant glimmer that surrounds her, much of which I am sure her aura contributes to lightening up, which will happen to you, too, as you listen to any track she has written on her albums.This doesn't mean that Joyce sounds like some kind of Pollyanna (although there is nothing wrong with that!), unblemished by life and having to face nothing more complicated than a chipped nail. No. I believe that she has suffered and experienced all the obstacles and disappointments, let-downs and grief that the rest of us have inevitably experienced, maybe more so, because of her obvious sensitivity. It's just that she has found a way to transcend those pains through a deeper and more expanded positive outlook, every bit of which is expressed through the beauty of her music. Call her music a "celebration of the silver lining," if you will. Allow yourself to be brought to this joyful space, too. I challenge anyone to continue to be embroiled in their problems or believe that there is no way out while experiencing and feeling this music. Life ain't so bad for all its suffering...in fact, it's damned glorious."

Great Smooth Jazz Find!

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 10/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Frequently I listen to smooth jazz station locally, as I enjoy many different musical styles. Cooling's number with Al Jarreau, "Mm-Mm Good", came on, and I just had to hear more of this guitarist.Her style is smooth, like a quiet, secluded ocean inlet with a cooling breeze in your face, radiating with the glowing sunshine, with cool water tide and seamist around. Tropical birds in the background highlight exotic beats and sounds. What great stuff!I especially enjoy Tamba, It'll Come Back To Me, East Side, Whenever the Rain Falls. Her vocals are good too, not exceptional, but blend so well with the instruments. The accompanying musicians are blended well, keyboards, bass and drums.Just outstanding jazz, which I am so glad now to be exposed too, and look out for future releases. George Benson and Earl Klugh lovers will like this artist as well."

Mixed feelings from a longtime fan

Robert Porter | San Francisco | 10/30/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have been watching Joyce for over 20 years now in many musical environments, from the superb straight-ahead jazz band she had with Kitty Margolis and Eddie Henderson when she first hit the Bay Area scene in the early 80's, to the hot Brazilian and Latin jazz she played with Maria Marquez and Viva Brazil and now into the world of the "smooth." I think she is quite a talent and must have her reasons for taking the smooth jazz path, but I must confess that I find this type of music too simple-minded and the phony sounding drum machines extremely annoying. I prefer the more authentic, less slick sound on her first CD "Cameo". Still, Joyce is a good musician and I wish her the best. IMO, Jay Wagner is a real asset to Ms. Cooling and I hope he continues to record with her."