Following on from 2023’s energy laden At PizzaExpress Live In London when the highly estimable Ross Dines now at AEG was at the PX label tiller, there’s a characteristic gloss to this sparkling slice of jazz-funk. That’s just the way it is.
Jamiroquai keyboardist Matt Johnson (nothing like The The ‘Uncertain Smile’ genius of the same name) whose work on Higher Ground with the Billy Joel/Randy Newman-esque singer songwriter Jon Regen also appeals knows how to do feelgood and while full of very accessible radio friendly touches that might make the hardcore jazz head blanch, nevertheless there’s enough off-the-beaten-track ridiculously cool bespoke Moogery and much else to pass the smell test.
Inspired by the (currently) Gaza bound Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, Bournemouth born 56-year-old Johnson’s soloing on the elfin vocals flavoured title track breaks free from the solidity of the riff/groove spasmodically vocals drenched song fabric.
You get an all the time in the world feeling to pick of the tracks the hooky headbobbery of ‘Dance of the Summer Rain’ where there is a truck load of extremely satisfying bass guitar lines from Ernie McKone.
Those willing to hang up their hang ups for at least the duration of this record especially if attracted to the sound of Bob James and Roy Ayers (1940-2025) will find lots to like, and even cut a rug to. But it’s not at all an interpretative dance kind of record you will be possibly relieved to learn. The curling, inuring, siren like shape of the songs, ‘Fascination’, another banger, will put a smile on your face and a Sunday skip in your step.
- Playing the Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth on Thursday and Love Supreme in East Sussex on 4 July
- Carla Bley classic Lawns streams drawn from upcoming Andy Sheppard trio release Salt Catchers
Andy Sheppard is back - Punkt. Vrt. Plastik, Kompress, Intakt ****
The drought of quality avant piano trio albums is over. Drink the sweet rain - Kurt Elling and Yellowjackets are in their element
Jazz meteorology that’s an el niño of a ride. Another of the year’s top live albums - The sound of Tony Bennett and Bill Evans touched upon by Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson and Marc Copland
An album that sounds more like a jazz album than a country one starts a weekend of new listening - What’s on
Highlights on the live club and small venue scene coming up
