A heartfelt jazz debut where storytelling, groove, and quiet empowerment take centre stage
Ottawa-based artist Genna Giampaolo steps confidently into a new chapter with her debut album Genna With A G, a release that feels both deeply personal and thoughtfully crafted. Blending her background in musical theatre with a rich jazz foundation, the album introduces listeners to an artist who isn’t just performing songs—she’s telling stories with intention, heart, and a clear sense of identity.
The album opens with “À La Chick” leans into a smooth, jazzy groove with a playful, rhythm-driven energy that feels both classic and theatrical. Blending swing with subtle Latin influences, the track paints Callie as the effortless star of the dance floor—cool, confident, and impossible to ignore. Genna Giampaolo’s delivery adds charm and personality, while the light, bouncy arrangement keeps everything moving. It’s the kind of song that simply grooves, pulling you in and making it hard not to move along with it.
The single, “I Wanna Fly” is a heartfelt jazz ballad that blends softness with quiet strength, carrying a message of empowerment that builds as the song unfolds. Rooted in storytelling, the track draws inspiration from trailblazing women and captures that longing to break free from expectations and step into something bigger. Genna Giampaolo’s delivery feels sincere and emotionally grounded, letting the lyrics breathe while the arrangement gently lifts around her. It’s not just reflective—it’s quietly defiant, reminding listeners that the desire to rise, to choose your own path, and to take up space is both powerful and necessary.
Towards the end of the album, “And They Danced” is a dreamy, slow-burning jazz piece that leans into romance with a soft, cinematic glow. With gentle phrasing and a waltz-like flow, the song captures that suspended moment of connection—where time seems to pause and nothing else matters but the person in front of you, especially in lines like “hand in hand as they spin round the floor / wishing time would stand still forever more.” Giampaolo’s delivery is tender and intimate, letting the emotion unfold naturally as the arrangement sways alongside her. It’s a beautifully nostalgic track that lingers, wrapping listeners in that feeling of wonder, closeness, and the quiet hope of one more dance.
Taken as a whole, Genna With A G is a cohesive debut that blends jazzy grooves, theatrical storytelling, and heartfelt ballads into a rich, engaging listen. Each track feels intentional, showcasing Genna Giampaolo’s ability to pair strong storytelling with expressive performance, all supported by a polished, authentic jazz arrangement.