Summoned as if to the Sade flame on ‘Becoming’ this is laidback clubby lounge jazz in the main with spiritual jazz influences, a general wooziness and more.
But as the whole album develops there’s clear water not to mention some 40 years between the creatively heterodox approach of Scottish DJ producer Rebecca Vasmant and the yuppie friendly aspirational 80s designer clad world that ‘The Sweetest Taboo’ clung to.
Generous vamps are wrapped in rhythm all over. It’s a late night sound. Vocalists like Emilie Boyd waft in and out. ‘Blessed’ uses intimations of the Bill Evans ‘Peace Piece’ riff in the arrangement – popular too with Lady Blackbird and Chris Seefried in recent years on Black Acid Soul tune ‘Fix It’. Here in the ingeniously confected sonic blend it’s complete with sounds of laughter and a brassy veneer as a kind of guiding light with Nadya Albertsson on vocals.
Vasmant’s appealing work to date includes With Love, from Glasgow (2021) and the Dance Yourself Free EP and as a remixer for a range of artists including Allysha Joy and Amanda Whiting.
‘Divine’ doesn’t work so well. But better for sheer groove is Graham Costello and Vasmant tune ‘Goodness Does Shine Through’. And I liked trombonist Chris Greive’s feature on ‘Don’t Hold Back’. But Kitti could have been used a bit more – she’s on ‘Mother Earth’. There’s a brief Sisterhood ”skit” featuring children’s voices which is quite sweet and there’s a heartfelt poem at the end. Key tracks of this album where there is positivity at every turn of the wheels of steel are ‘Blessed’ and the uplifting ‘Sun Song.’
more from marlbank
Some details and thoughts on John Taylor’s The Bauer Session
Italian label Cam Jazz tantalise once more with a John Taylor solo piano recording made not long before the pianist died.
Ulysses Owens Jr. and Generation Y, Around The World With U, Cellar Music **** recommended
These old and not so old sweet songs in Gen Y’s hands conjure so ably dear dead days beyond recall.
Biréli Lagrène, Elegant People, PeeWee! ****
Swinging French guitar icon Biréli Lagrène does not disappoint with his best album in simply years. Its sentimental insouciance and savoir faire are something of a revelation that may cure any lingering feeling, dear reader, you might possess of jadedness. Listening shakes off such torpor.
You must be logged in to post a comment.