You Are The Light And The Way
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
Listen to You Are The Light And The Way
The sophomore album from Alex Bird and his band, You Are The Light And The Way expands on the greatness achieved of their award winning debut, Whisky Kisses, with much attention to mood as they recruit horns and strings for the occasion.
Bird starts the listen with the smooth and very expressive title track, where his eloquent singing is met with warm keys from Ewan Farncombe as well as soulful brass, and “Where The Blackbird Sings” follows with a haunting quality as stirring strings enter an almost cinematic expanse of tension and grace.
Further along, “Sittin’ By My Lonesome” is a pretty, cautious, slow burner with a poetic feel and well timed saxophone from Patrick Smith, while “Fool For Love” showcases Leighton McKinley Harrell’s carefully plucked bass alongside Bird’s flowing singing. “Old Soul”, one of the album’s best, then benefits from Eric West’s precise drumming, the bright brass and certainly no shortage of melody.
Approaching the end, “Tell Me It’s You” offers a sublime, romantic jazz moment with sparking keys, elegant horns and light drumming, and “Honey Lee Lullaby” exits the listen with an indeed sweet and soft display of dynamic and meticulous interaction between the incredible musicians on hand.
All the tunes present are originals and fully ready to be added to The Great American Songbook, where their thriving brand of jazz embraces grooves, funk, swing and big band ideas that won’t disappoint from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Jazzlab Orchestra- LOGUSLABUSMUZIKUS; Montréal Jazz Trio- Montréal Jazz Trio