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Interview: Multi-Instrumentalist Joshua Gellman Blends Soulful Energy & Warm Jazz on ‘Speak To My Dreams’ LP feat. Focus Track “Walkin'”

June 19, 2025
William Brookson
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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 Joshua’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 Joshua. “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.

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.

Joshua Gellman is a composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist specializing in Charango, guitar, bass, and jazz piano. With roots in traditional South American folk, jazz, and pop, his music weaves a tapestry of heartfelt narratives and global influence. Speak To My Dreams is a culmination of years of musical growth and a bold step forward in his creative journey.

1. What did you enjoy most about the recording process of this new release?
I came into this project with a clear vision and very precise arrangements, but there’s something about being in the studio that allows for spontaneous magic and those unplanned moments are often the most exciting. I also really enjoyed working with international session musicians via Musiversal. I was able to achieve so much with their musical contributions, and that part of the process was extremely enjoyable.
2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.
When I was maybe 10 years old, my grandpa took me to a palm reader in New York City. The majority of their future predictions did not come to pass, but one thing they said to me has resonated with me ever since, and I try to live by that mantra. They said “I don’t know what you’re going to do when you grow up, but whatever you do, you are going to do it well”. 
3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?
That’s a tough question to answer because so many choices come to mind. But I will say Larkin Poe. I recently saw them live and was blown away! I’m a really big fan of what they’re doing at the moment!
4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
What sets my music apart is that it is not bound by a single genre. I often find myself struggling to define the genre of 1 song, let alone the whole album. I didn’t want to make an album where every song felt like a variation of the last. I set out to make an album that’s diverse, but still me. It has Soul/Funk/R&B, Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Latin, Singer-songwriter and more!!!
5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.
I’ve been listening to a lot of Bon Iver at the moment, so I’ll choose the song “Flume” for this one. I find that they have a way of capturing emotion that is very interesting and captivating.

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