Photo Credit Jen Squires

Thu Oct 24, 2024

Toronto-based, JUNO-nominated artist DENIELLE BASSELS releases her first single “Lighthouse,” from her upcoming third album It Goes Like This, slated for release in February, 2025. Following her highly-acclaimed, JUNO-nominated Little Bit a’ Love, the new album promises a daring, imaginative journey – think Ella Fitzgerald’s grace clashing with Moby Dick’s epic narrative, or Nina Simone’s intensity encountering 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. “Lighthouse” will be out October 25th, on all major platforms. For more information please visit any of the links below or Bassels’s website.

From a husky whisper to a full-on scream, and through that cycle again, "Lighthouse" builds to a wildly frenetic peak of interpolated piano (by Ewen Farncombe) and violin (by Drew Jurecka) solos, reflecting the intense internal turmoil in Bassels's soul. As Leonard Cohen said in "Closing Time," "The whole damn place goes crazy twice."

"'Lighthouse' is a wild, rollicking blend of jazz, infused with Django Reinhardt influences, cinematic grandeur, and steampunk energy," says Bassels. "It plunges listeners into a tumultuous sea of sound, capturing the internal struggles and chaos within. From its eerie opening, the track propels you into an epic musical clash."

Written and arranged by Bassels, with strings arranged by Jurecka, Lighthouse is a vivid prelude to her upcoming album, It Goes Like This.

MORE ABOUT DENIELLE BASSELS:

Toronto-born indie-swing sensation and 2024 JUNO nominee Denielle Bassels, captivates audiences with her potent fusion of jazz manouche, blues, folk, and pop. Denielle's uniquely powerful voice, reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald and Norah Jones, delivers solid heart punches and unforgettable performances. From sweet Doris Day-esque melodies to the ferocity of Big Mama Thornton, Denielle's vocal versatility, coupled with her natural storytelling flair, creates an enchanting concert experience that lingers in the minds of her listeners.

Denielle’s journey as an artist reflects her resilience and commitment to her craft. She has weathered industry challenges and personal trials with a sense of humor and fortitude, using every experience as fuel for her creative expression. Her storytelling transcends genres, offering something for everyone.

Drawing inspiration from her experiences, Denielle continues to push boundaries, seeking out new collaborations and experimenting with different sounds and textures. Her work defies easy categorization but is always grounded in authenticity, emotional depth, and a deep respect for the jazz tradition.

As she prepares for the release of It Goes Like This, Bassels is poised to cement her status as a visionary artist in the modern jazz scene. With a JUNO nomination under her belt and a rapidly growing international fan base, she is a force to be reckoned with, one whose voice and vision are impossible to ignore.

 LIGHTHOUSE CREDITS:
(3:33) D minor 93 bpm (varying)
FILE UNDER Indie folk, Gypsy Jazz, Jazz, soundtrack, cinematic
SOUNDS LIKE/FOR FANS OF Ella Fitzgerald, Feist, Gogol Bordello
Music, Lyrics, Arrangement: Denielle Bassels
Extra Lyrics: Lily Frost
Vocals: Denielle Bassels
Guitar: Andy Mac
Accordion, Strings, string arrangement: Drew Jurecka
Upright Bass: George Koller
Drums: Andrew Scott
Background Vocals: Bridgette Anderson
Mixed by: Vic Florencia
Mastered by: Phil Bova
Produced by: Denielle Bassels and Thom McKay
Graphic Design: Maxine Kryzaniwsky
Photos for Design: Jen Squires