Red Dress
JRL-SGS, 2020
8/10
A long running Southern California outfit spearheaded by trombonist Jim Lewis, though Lewis is still the leader of the San Gabriel 7, different members have populated the esteemed ensemble over the years, and this 10th album brings in Femi Knight to handle vocal duties.
“I’m Going Home Tonight” leads with playful yet elegant percussion as bright horns enter the cultured, soothing landscape where Knight’s smooth vocals guide a very soulful opener, and “Give A Little” follows with a calmer pace of emotive R&B influenced ideas, as backing vocals highlight the many grooves present.
Elsewhere, “New Tomorrow” is certainly dance friendly, where there’s no shortage of rhythm that takes nods to Brazil, while “The Next Best Thing” doesn’t shy from pop friendly melodies amid Steve Gregory’s agile guitar prowess. “Stranger”, one of the album’s best, then brings an uplifting love song that really displays Knight’s incredible vocal range.
Close to the end, “Never Make Your Move Too Soon” is a live tune that incorporates dynamic musicianship between Kyle Palmer’s trumpet and Max Weisberg’s keyboards, and a radio edit of “The Next Best Thing” finishes off the listen with a shorter version that’s no less energetic or memorable than the earlier recording.
With 7 members making up the rhythm section, and 5 in the horn section, there’s a massive amount of talent on hand as the players flesh out songs arranged by Dave Cushman where plenty of sophisticated traces of funk, blues, jazz, R&B and gospel are included and easily enjoyed.
Travels well with: Kenny Kotwitz & The LA Jazz Quintet- When Lights Are Low; Benny Rubin Jr.- Know Say Or See