Soul/Jazz Artist Joshua Gellman Releases Radiant, Groove-Driven Album Speak To My Dreams

Nanaimo, BC-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Joshua Gellman shares his joyfully eclectic new full-length album Speak To My Dreams, led by the heartfelt and horn-laced opener “Walkin’.” The album is a vibrant showcase of Gellman’s diverse musical roots – spanning soul, R&B, jazz, Latin, and more – and is grounded in the clarity of a singular artistic voice. Overflowing with warmth, groove, and emotional honesty, Speak To My Dreams is a celebration of connection, evolution, and the spirit of collaboration.

“Walkin’” captures the confident energy of emotional truth – an expressive declaration of love moving beyond friendship. Rooted in jazz sensibilities and rich with radiant horn lines, the track’s groove is effortless yet deeply felt. “It’s telling someone, ‘I’ve been walking by your side this whole time, and now I want to walk with you in a different way – something deeper, something more,’” says Gellman. “I wanted it to feel like the easy, confident stride you get when you finally decide to be honest with yourself and the person that you care about.”

Chosen as the album’s opening track, “Walkin’” immediately sets the tone for the journey ahead – a lively, uplifting burst of energy that welcomes listeners in with rhythm, soul, and personality. The song features a stellar cast of collaborators, including Anatol McGinnis on bass, Andrew Rollins on drums, Tristan Armstrong on electric guitar, Marta Garrett on backup vocals, Phil Hamelin on trumpet and horn arrangements, and an ensemble of Vancouver Island Jazz Studies alumni: Matt Carter, Ron Gaucher, Darren Nilsson, and beloved teacher Steve Jones.

Joshua’s keyboard solo in the track’s dynamic mid-section spotlights the song’s emotional depth and spontaneity. “It’s raw, it’s dynamic, and it builds excitement for the finale that feels like a celebration,” he reflects. “The horn parts give it that punch and sparkle, but also a deep, soulful conversation.”

While “Walkin’” stands confidently on its own, it also offers a glimpse into the album’s broader intention: an invitation to feel more deeply, to move honestly, and to connect through the power of music. Speak To My Dreams reflects a year-long creative journey – one rooted in precision, vision, and artistic freedom. With support from Rick Salt (engineer and production mentor) and a wide network of collaborators, Joshua leaned into the richness of live instrumentation while embracing digital innovation. He gives a nod to Musiversal, which allowed him to connect with international studio musicians and expand the sonic scope of the record.

Every song on the album brings a unique flavor, reflecting Gellman’s wide-ranging influences without ever losing a strong sense of personal identity. From groove-laden jazz to delicate orchestral layers, from Latin rhythms to hip-hop inflections, Speak To My Dreams is diverse by design. “I didn’t want to make an album where every song felt like a variation of the last,” Gellman explains. “I set out to make an album that’s diverse, but still me.”

A seasoned composer and performer, Gellman specializes in Charango, guitar, bass, and jazz piano. His foundation in traditional South American folk and formal jazz training gives his work both emotional depth and technical mastery. This new album, arguably his most complete artistic statement to date, draws upon years of experience and collaboration.

“This was incredibly fulfilling,” Gellman shares. “Every phase – from planning, to overdubs, to mixing and mastering – was approached with precision. The result is something I’ll be proud of for the rest of my life.”

Speak To My Dreams is more than a collection of songs – it’s a living document of joy, truth, and connection. With its heartfelt core and fearless creativity, Joshua Gellman’s latest release invites listeners not just to hear, but to feel.