Tuesday, March 07, 2017

NEW RELEASES: DAVID BINNEY – THE TIME VERSES; BISCAY – BURNT MEMENTOS; SOIA – HIOP

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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