Electric Fantastic
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Beth Moore and Chance McColl know their way around a blues and jazz tune, and this debut brings ‘70s influences into the live recording where Joel Morris sits behind the drum kit, Tim Aucoin holds down bass, and Caleb Lattimore, Christopher Alpiar, and Declan Ward take up brass.
“Electric Fantastic” starts the album with lively organ and spirited sax in the highly rhythmic setting, and “Like A Symphony” follows with strong, expressive singing from Moore on the timeless and melodic jazz that benefits from Jordan Alyssa and Devynn Phoenix Robinson’s backing vocals.
Near the middle, “Beth’s Bounce” moves playfully, where several solos enter the mature atmosphere, while “The Logical Song”, the sole cover, recruits a powerful, emotive landscape guided by piano, where sweeping melodies populate the sublime climate that brings in Scott Rasher on trombone. “If You Really Loved Me”, one of the album’s best, then benefits greatly from organ and McColl’s smooth, enticing pipes
The record is bookended by “Blues For Lonnie Williams” and “Words”, where the former illustrates dynamic musicianship in the soothing instrumental, and the latter displays incredible singing from Moore on the calm and memorable exit to an excellent first effort.
A very versatile listen, there’s also moments of R&B, funk and pop to be found here, as instrumentals and a classic rock cover are also in attendance on this first rate adventure in contemporary jazz.
Travels well with: Kenny Kotwitz & The LA Jazz Quintet- When Lights Are Low; Zen Zadravec- Human Evolution