Sugar Drops
Red House, 2019
8/10
The Minnesota stars return with another installment of their blues and jazz friendly sounds, and this time the outfit recorded in a formal studio in Nashville to help capture their unique Americana formula.
“Bone Collection” starts the listen with sultry vocals and a classic New Orleans jazz feel with plenty of crisp instrumentation, and “I Can’t Believe I Let You Go” follows with a breezy pop feel as the band inject a soulful gloss to the fun.
Further along, “Little Miss Sunshine” recruits bright keys into R&B, sing-along playfulness, while “Another Lonely Day” uses strategic horns and organs in the contemplative atmosphere.
Near the end, “Mr. Big Talker” utilizes strings to punctuate the sophisticated waltz mood, and “Magic Kisses” offers a festive setting of danceable and feel good vibes in the album highlight. “Deep End” exits the listen soft and emotive in a key heavy ballad where the intimacy seemingly knows no bounds.
A band who are only getting better with each subsequent release, the decision to record in a proper studio paid off in spades here as Davina and company move their jazz, blues, pop and retro hybrid onto another level of greatness.
Travels well with: Preservation Hall Jazz Band- That’s It!; Haley- Pleasureland