Bluesville
Zoho, 2020
8/10
The long running blues/jazz ensemble Swingadelic return another batch of their esteemed big band delivery, where they cover legends like Ray Charles, Willie Dixon and Duke Ellington, while also tossing in a couple of originals, too.
“The Late, Late Show” starts the album with bright horns and energetic percussion as smooth vocals from Neal Pawley glide the frisky jazz opener, and this continues to the playful “I Love This Life I Live”, where Colby Inzer’s crisp drumming is highlighted as is John Bauers’ strong vocals that steer the bluesy grooves, as well as the rhythmic brass of “Harlem Nocturne”.
Closer to the middle, “Parchman Farm” displays the strong piano prowess and expressive vocals of Mitch Woods on the hopping effort, while Kyle Koehler’s organ skills shine on the John Bauers led blues tune, “Lonely Avenue”. “I Don’t Know”, one of the album’s best, then recruits soaring female vocals on the romantic album highlight that benefits greatly from Andy Riedel’s precise guitar work.
Deeper cuts bring us the clarinet friendly “The Mooche”, where dynamic trumpet work from Bryan Davis and John Martin leaves an impression, and the instrumental version of the first track finishes out the listen with snappy yet elegant interplay between the many players on hand.
With more than 20 musicians in attendance, including several vocalists, Swingadelic are still doing what they’ve always done best, and now 20+ years into their existence, their chemistry and execution is still as exciting, captivating and timeless as ever.
Travels well with: Ted Piltzecker- Brindica; Dave Stryker With Bob Mintzer And The WDR Big Band- Blue Soul