Leaving Egypt
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Though this might be Sammy Miller’s debut with The Congregation, the drummer and vocalist has already picked up a Grammy nomination for his work with Joey Alexander. Here with the 6 members of The Congregation, the ensemble took just 4 very long days to capture their positive, witty and jazz influenced formula.
“Searching For Ragtime” starts the listen with soft keys before spirited horns enter the vocal-less affair, and “Shine” follows with clever playfulness as Miller’s smooth vocals guide the hook filled setting.
Further along, “Bluebird” finds the listen entering a calmer display of warm brass and cautious piano, while “Before” strips the atmosphere bare with just intricate keys with a slight horn ambience.
Deeper cuts like “Eagle Rock”, with Molly Miller, hint at jazz ideas in adventurous waves of fun, and “Date A Jew” brings a humorous and rhythmic highlight late in the affair. “When I’m Gone” ends the listen with piano balladry that’s both sublime and mesmerizing in its skilled execution.
Miller has spent plenty of time studying and playing jazz, which is quite evident here, and the firm rock’n’roll spirit from the entire outfit is never far from the surface on this feel good record that just begs to be heard live.
Travels well with: Dawg Yawp- Dawg Yawp; Blank Range- Marooned With The Treasure