Rogue Island
Rocktorium, 2021
8/10
The esteemed horn player and in demand session musician Curt Ramm used his Covid lockdown time wisely, and brings us a perfect summer soundtrack with the uplifting and positive vibes of this very well executed instrumental album.
“Smuggler’s Cove” gets the album off to a breezy start as Ramm’s brass prowess and Gerard Ramm’s tenor sax align with Mike Dansereau’s warm organ and Brady Robinson’s fluent drumming for a laid back opener, and it isn’t long until “Ripped” finds plenty of rhythm thanks to Ray Gennari’s precise guitar and Tony Kid’s key prowess that complement Ramm’s soulful trumpet,
Close to the middle, “Pontchartrain” moves cautiously amid Ramm’s strategic trumpet, flugabone and valve trombone that benefits from Charlie Giordano’s piano and accordion, while “Surfer’s End” picks up the pace with a dance friendly album highlight that displays Bill Holloman’s sax work and Horseman’s well timed drumming.
Towards the end, “Limetree” showcases dynamic interaction between Ramm’s brass, Kid’s keys, and Gennari’s guitars as Michael Manglicmot handles percussion, and “From The Baseline” exits the listen with probably the most traditional reggae influenced tune that glides with a breezy, island flavor.
The recording process presented some challenges with the pandemic, which forced players to lay down their portions remotely, as Ramm and Gennari would bounce ideas back and forth on the phone to flesh out the arrangements. Once restrictions eased up, musicians then recorded in person to finish up the record, and it’s an impressive one that alternates between energetic moments, slow burning reflection and plenty of timeless reggae spirit.
Travels well with: Reggae Angels- Remember Our Creator; Honey Made- Brand New