DAVID BINNEY – THE TIME VERSES
A slightly different album than usual from saxophonist David
Binney – a set that still features plenty of the leader's great work on alto
sax, but which also includes a few electric textures, and sampled sonic moments
– elements used sparely, on short tracks before the main instrumental moments –
but in a way that adds a nice degree of color to the record, but without
getting in the way of the jazz performance! The piano of Jacob Sacks is also a
key part of the album's sense of sound – and the core group also features
Eivind Opsvik on bass and Dan Weiss on drums. Jen Shyu joins on vocals for the
track "Seen" – and other titles include "Fifty Five",
"The Reason To Return", "Dawn", "Arc", "Strange
Animal", and "Time Takes Its Time". ~ Dusty Groove
BISCAY – BURNT MEMENTOS
Their songs can only be described as shamelessly
retrospective, fusing jazz, funk and soul grooves. This contrasts with the
songs contemporary subjects, which wryly bemoan the state of the modern world. Biscay
thrive on this contrast - much like the part of the Atlantic from which they
take their name, their music combines smooth sounds with the turbulence of 21st
century urban life. Their debut, 6-track EP ‘Burnt Mementos’, due for release
on Friday March 24th 2017, explores a range of topics from the flawed worship
of good looks, the pointless pursuit of status, bad dates and worse
relationships….the lyrics are also semi-autobiographical! The band are a
flawless line-up of musicians hailing from London and Birmingham, with the
driving force of writer/guitarist Phil Danter, and French lead singer Elea May
who adds a soaring flavor of lead vocals which sit perfectly upon the grooves
with both her tone and overall sound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFhnOkA849c
SOIA – HIOP
Spacey soul from Soia – a European singer who works closely
here with producer Mez – who served up some great beats on their previous
record together! The vibe here is very similar – kind of a mellow take on
broken modes from a decade before – with a slowed-down pace that allows for
plenty of vocal and keyboard inflections, and a spacey production style that
makes all the elements float together in a really beautiful way! At some level,
the record's one that might sound best in the smaller hours past midnight – but
some tracks also have a more urgent feel that demands rapt attention. Titles
include "Habibi", "Hidden In Obvious Places", "Ignite
Despite", "Tropical Jinx", "See Me Hollow", "1000
Layers", and "Roaming Deer". ~ Dusty Groove
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