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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