Up And Gone
Madison, 2023
8/10
An Atlanta outfit spearheaded by Beth Moore and Chance McColl, there’s plenty of help on brass for these groove filled and retro friendly songs that unfold across 8 very rich tunes.
The melodic and upbeat “What’s Still Happening!!” opens the listen with McColl’s spirited guitar and Moore’s lively keys alongside the bright horns, and “Somebody Calling” follows with funky bass lines thanks to Tim Aucoin that complement Joel Morris’ frisky drums.
The middle track belongs to the intimate “Sunlit Flower (Against The Sky)”, where Moore’s poetic voice is paired with warm acoustic guitar, while the powerful “Back To Atlanta” showcases a precise rhythm section amid the well timed brass bouts.
Close to the end, the dreamy “A Song For Vince” makes great use of soaring scatting and adventurous percussion, and “No Apology” exits with lively horns and a booming presence that finds plenty of soulful places to reside, too.
The brass is handled by Randy Hunter (alto sax), Caleb Lattimore (trumpet), Justin Powell (trumpet) and Declan Ward (alto saxophone), and their collective skill contributes greatly to the animated, cinematic moments and calmer ebbs of nostalgic beauty that’s ideal for jazz fans who enjoy gritty, funky, soulful songwriting.
Travels well with: Steve Snyder Trio- Prime Vintage; Pete McCann- Without Question