THE FILTHY SIX - THE FOX

London-based outfit The Filthy Six, led by trumpeter Nick Etwell, earned great plaudits with their eponymous debut release back in 2010, packed full of soulful organ jazz instrumentals. Two years on and the band are back with their second album, The Fox, named after Graham Fox, the drummer on their first album who sadly passed away at an early age.

The new album features a dozen tracks, ten of which are originals, all capturing the dynamism of their tight live shows. The groove and feel of the music is based in the soul jazz sound of the mid sixties, recalling some of the classic sounds of the era on Blue Note and Prestige, and the band have absolutely nailed the sound while adding enough of their own ideas to make it more than just a retro pastiche.

The opening track, the aptly named Midnight Boogaloo, is classic sixties style soul jazz with a Latin twist, with Pete Whittaker's bluesy Hammond providing great backing for the from the horn section, making for a perfect mod jazz track. Down Frenchmen St. continues in the same vein, albeit more straight ahead soul jazz.

Tracks such as Prattle In Seattle, The Rum Diary and Jukebox really swing, and the influences of greats such as Lou Donaldson, Brother Jack McDuff and Grant Green are in clear evidence.

One new departure on this album is the inclusion of vocals, with Brendan Reilly guesting on lead vocals on two tracks. The first is a cover of Girlfriend, made famous by Michael Jackson, reworked here with a Tighten Up-style groove to great effect. This is followed by the party tune Get Down, with vocalist Reilly backed by The Filthy Choir.

The Fox sees The Filthy Six going from strength to strength. An absolute must for anyone into organ jazz or simply good music played live. The only remaining question is will we have the chance to see them live here in Tokyo? I certainly hope so.

~ Originally posted on Tokyo Jazz Notes HERE