Feature | You Chose Not To Be Mine

When you hear the word ‘jazz’, what images come to mind? Late nights, city lights, smoky bars, cigarettes burning in ashtrays, half-drunk glasses of wine with lipstick imprints around the brim, sequin dresses, sultry voices? My point and my question is this: Is there any other genre of music that instantly conjures up such a distinct style the way jazz does? I think not.

I’ve heard some people say that jazz is outdated, or, when friends have heard me listening, have said I like them ‘old-timey tunes’. To that, I pose to you another question: how can a genre of music so ‘old’ ignite in anyone cultured enough to really listen to it provide such an undeniable spirit of aliveness and swagger of class? I’ll tell you how in the jazziest way I can. It’s because style never goes out of fashion, baby!

So, with all that said, do you want a modern-day example of the ageless wonder of jazz that nobody in their right mind can deny? I give you Aly Berry. I don’t think I’ve heard a greater example of the beauty, the charm, the grace, the class, and the je ne sais quoi of everything that is good about jazz in years.

From the opening riff, I was immediately transported back in time to – dare I say it – a better time. The music is so funky, so jazzy, so elegant and nuanced, that it would be impossible for anyone who heard it not to tap their feet along with it. And, at the same time, Aly’s voice and lyrics are so dignified and debonair that, combined with the artful music, made it feel like I was sipping a juicy cocktail in the sun or a steamy coffee on a cold November eve.

Speaking of the lyrics, I found them to be incredibly personal and all too applicable to my own past, which is yet another sign of a great artist, being that they are able to articulate and express the complex emotions of the human heart so easily and in such a creative way. I also found the words of the song and Aly’s delivery of them to have a distinctly modern 21st century feel, which helps define it as something noticeably new and fresh, and not just simply an homage to jazz songs of the past.

All in all, I really enjoyed listening to You Chose Not To Be Mine and I’m looking forward to listening to the full album when it comes out. I know Aly is young in her career and this is her debut album, but I could easily foresee her becoming one of the big faces of music in the years to come. It will be really interesting to see how her style develops and evolves over time. You should definitely check her out!