Music Reviews
Jukka Eskola - Jukka Eskola
Free AgentNot only is flugelhornist / trumpeter Jukka Eskola an integral part of The Five Corners Quintet but he's also worked with other top Finnish artists such as NuSpirit Helsinki, Teddy Rok Seven, Quintessence and Jimi Tenor. On this his self titled debut solo outing he's accompanied by Jukkis Uotila on electric piano, along with fellow TFCQ contributors Antti Lotjonen, Teppo Makynen (Teddy Rok) and Timo Lassey on bass, drums and saxophone / flute respectively. He impressed earlier this year with the 12" for Ricky-Tick, which featured the jazz dancers '1974' and 'Buttercup'. Both tracks are included here and on first listen are the standouts. However spend a little time with this disc and you'll discover the delights of the Freddie Hubbard influenced 'Kulo', as well as 'Duudamdej' and 'Timber Up', two funky fusion pieces. The later features some awesome drum breaks and keys reminiscent of those on Roy Ayers's 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine'.
PermalinkAndy Allen, 12/05
Julie Fowlis - Cuilidh
Shoeshine RecordsFollow up to the excellent 'Mar A Tha Mo Chridhe (As My Heart Is)' Julie further explores the folklore of her native North Uist in the Western Isles of Scotland. Her beautiful voice and excellent supporting musicians- including Eamon Doorley (Danu), John McCusker, Chris Thile (Nickel Creek), Mark Kelly (Altan), John Doyle (Solas) and Donald Shaw (Capercaillie) make this the perfect package. Divine.
Graham Radley, 04/07
Julien Dyne - Pins and Digits
BBE RecordsMany folks may be familiar with drummer/producer Julien Dyne from his work with the group Opensouls. Their signature sound is rooted in raw soul and funk but you won’t find anything like that here. Instead we have an organic collection of soulful hip-hop beats blended with jazz tinged vibes. Among the highlights are “Layer”, a mid-tempo track with a funky bass line and “Stained glass fresh Frozen”, a soulful electronic joint with horns. Both tracks feature Mara tk who provides vocals and additional beat arrangements. “Falling” is a laid back ethereal gem with heavy beats and earthy chords that features Julien on vocals. This is the type of track you could picture someone like Dwele singing over it. Although there are fourteen tracks, three or four barely exceeded 2 minutes but they still manage to keep your attention. That said, “Pins and Digits” is an impressive debut by an emerging talent. Julien successfully merges live instrumentation with electronica and creates futuristic soul that you don’t want to miss.
Reg Dancy, 10/09
Jumbonics - Talk To The Animals
Tru Thoughts RecordingsRob Mac and Matt Smooth are back and showing no end to their talents, after their excellent Gum Drop and Speeka projects. The track you've probably heard of here is their funk re-working of The Strokes "Last Nite": I was rather surprised that I knew the track and when playing out, it's certainly a crowd pleaser. What made this album really special for me was vocalist Norman Anderson, who just blew me away. It seems whatever style Rob and Matt throw at him, Norman's wonderful voice excels on every tune. To top it off, just like the Gum Drop album, they've brought in violinist Lucy Wilkins to add to the beautiful arrangements. A must!!
Simon Harrison, 03/07