When I began to listen to Passenger, Deni Gauthier’s latest album, the first word that came to mind was “pretty”, like what your reaction might be taking a path for the first time through a lovely wood. With Deni’s music, though, you know that will be just the first layer of experience. As you continue through this musicscape, you are likely to feel your senses taking over as you are washed with a myriad of sounds, memories, colours, feelings. Deni’s voice and lyrics draw you along, mostly gently, sometimes with a little firmness. |
Deni is someone who, it seems, believes with a confident steadfastness that sharing his musical talents is central to his own life journey. For Passenger, he has done that in a concept album format with nine stories of different people dealing with different stages of life. A careful listen to the album is likely to draw you in through the humanity of the ideas he shares, wrapped in intelligent musicality and that soulful voice.
Bob Mersereau, music columnist and long-time arts reporter for CBC, reviewing Deni’s last album, Quiet Town, noted that Deni’s “songs are layered with loops, a bed of ambiance and modern sounds, over which we get his beautiful words and voice. Seriously, this guy has Glenn Frey beat for sheer emotion.” Though this album is more subtly layered, the same applies.
What Others Are Saying About Passenger
… his voice is a beautiful fusion of a softer version of John Legend and the soulfulness of Dallas Green. His sweeping vocal range was best displayed in the folky tune, “Do You Trust Me”, featuring alluring melodies over chiming guitar riffs.
(Nicole Wolfe, June 7, 2016, canadianbeats.ca/2016/06/07/review-deni-gauthier/)
Deni lets us in through his songs, and we might even learn something about ourselves in the process. This music is the antithesis of cacophony; this is musical peace. Put the headphones on and listen to "Passenger" and see if you don’t agree.
(Jamie Oppenheimer, Host, "Lyrical Workers", Hunters Bay Radio)
Oppenheimer’s headphone recommendation is a good one – have a few intimate listens all on your own. Then share with family and friends and maybe enjoy a little prideful boasting, “This fantastic talent lives right here in my community!”
Find out more about Deni Gauthier’s music, ways to purchase Passenger, and upcoming tour dates at www.denigauthier.com.
Find out more about Deni Gauthier’s music, ways to purchase Passenger, and upcoming tour dates at www.denigauthier.com.