Friday, April 01, 2016

NEW MUSIC: SNOWBOY & THE LATIN SECTION – NEW YORK AFTERNOON; JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET – BUMPIN’ ON FRITH STREET: LIVE AT RONNIE SCOTT’S; PEO – SWEDE SOUL MUSIC

SNOWBOY & THE LATIN SECTION – NEW YORK AFTERNOON

The strongest album in years from the mighty Snowboy – a set that firmly returns him to his Latin roots, but with a sound that's even better than before! The approach is perfect – loads of strong congans and percussion from the leader, and a wickedly jazzy lineup that do way more than just rehash classic lines – and instead allow Snowboy to dig deep into all the funk, soul, and jazz influences he's explored over the years – borrowing their best bets to fold right back into a core Latin groove! The record features superb bass from Nico Gomez, great Hammond and Fender Rhodes from Neil Angilley, and searing work from Pete Wareham on tenor and baritone sax. House legend Marc Evans does an incredible job on vocals for the title cut "New York Afternoon" – a wicked reworking of the Richie Cole classic – and Jen Kearney sings on the tracks "Better" and "Oxen Free". Other titles include "The Triple Bluff", "Tres Tambores", "Ole Mambo", and "Cala Escarpada". ~ Dusty Groove

JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET – BUMPIN’ ON FRITH STREET: LIVE AT RONNIE SCOTT’S

Hammond legend James Taylor takes the stage at the legendary Ronnie Scott's Club in London – a place he could have hardly imagined gracing back in his early 80s years on the mod scene! Yet Ronnie's come a hell of a long way since those days – and has emerged as one of the best organists working today – able to soar along the keyboard at a level that even only a few folks from the classic years could ever hope to match! The pyrotechnics here are wonderful, and Taylor never loses his groove at all – working in a sharp quartet with guitar, bass, and drums – on titles that include "Duffin Round", "Song For My Dad", "Parallelo", "Jungle Strut", "Sweet Revival", and a nice version of Jimmy Smith's "Rootdown". (Includes bonus download!) ~ Dusty Groove

PEO – SWEDE SOUL MUSIC

Stunning soul from Peo Dahl – a Swedish musician by birth, as you might guess from the title – but one who comes across with a groove that matches the best hip Anglo soul of the past decade or two! There's a vibe here that reminds us especially of some of our favorite British acts – the jazzy rhythms of Brand New Heavies, and maybe the vocal warmth of Swing Out Sister – with a bit of Incognito thrown in for good measure! Yet the group's definitely got their own sort of special vibe – upbeat, positive sounds served up by Peo and his core instrumental crew – and delivered by a host of singers (mostly gals, one guy) who give the whole album a beautiful glow. The songs are great, production is perfect, and titles include "Another Weekend", "Good Love", "What Goes Up", "Everything", "Get Ready", "Wish I Could", "All Your Love", "Be Mine", and "Must Be Love". ~ Dusty Groove


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