First Flight
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The relatively new duo of Helen Rose and Kramer Sanguinetti, as Air Cool Jenny the pair bring their multi-instrumental talent to 4 tunes here, where inspiration from Appalachian folk, blues, country, jazz and funk aren’t hard to spot, and some esteemed help make for an excellent starting point.
“Pelican” gets the listen off to a vocally harmonic and musically warm start with quick acoustic guitar complementing the pair’s lovely singing that builds into a crisp roots rocker with spirited electric guitar and thumping drums from Kirkland Middleton.
The middle tracks bring us the soft and poetic “When I Rise”, where Rose’s sublime singing guides the stirring intimacy, while “Pissin’ On The Moon” picks up the pace with a shuffling delivery of honky tonk that benefits from a rollicking guitar solo.
“The River’s Gone” exits the quick listen, and recruits R&B and jazz ideas into the reflective climate where the duo hit some high notes amid the graceful keys and subtle but effective brass.
Partners both musically and romantically, let’s hope there’s more songs on the horizon from Air Cool Jenny, cause along with Bryan Were on bass and Brenden Moore handling organ, Rose and Sanguinetti make diverse, charming and timeless sounds that we can always use more of, especially when this kind of chemistry is present.
Travels well with: Ben Reddell Band- ¡LA Baby!; Hilary Scott- Kaleidoscope