So Pretty
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
While I generally think of music from Seattle being thick, aggressive and guitar fueled, the Carey Rayburn spearheaded outfit Good Co are all about funk, dance, and swing sounds where electronica ideas unfolds with much creativity in a timeless setting.
“Come Alive”, an aptly titled opener, leads with bright horns and plenty of soulful, jazz friendly sounds that move at a swift pace, and “Home” continues the energy with a rhythmic delivery of cultured swing fun that you can’t help but move your body to.
In the middle, “Good Company (Dance Party Edition)”, a Queen original, certainly is a festive tune with quick percussion, lively keys and extremely fluid brass, while “Monkey And Me” trims the pace back with an old time feel as a whistle solo even appears. “Rhythm”, one of the best selections, then gets extremely dynamic with a layered approach that few could replicate.
Near the end, the bare “Sweet Marie” makes great use of a ukulele and “So Pretty” continues the party with a busy display of strong vocal work, a thriving rhythm section and glowing melody that takes nods to the ‘60s.
An extremely exciting record with multiple vocalists where congas, clarinet and upright bass leave a mark as indelible as the swirling synth, and playful saxophone, So Pretty is an innovative and infectious electro-swing gem that you can’t help but be enamored with.
Travels well with: Caravan Palace- Panic; Trombone Shorty- Parking Lot Symphony