San Gabriel 7

Under The Stars

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Under The Stars

The progressive funk outfit San Gabriel 7 return with a new batch of tunes, and they’ve got the esteemed vocalist Sinne Eeg with them for the high energy, big band influenced set of originals.

“Rocket Blues” opens the listen with playful vocal scatting, where bright brass and frisky drumming makes for a lively start, and “I’m In The Mood For Love” follows with a romantic waltz fueled by soulful horns, warm guitar and crisp drumming to complement Eeg’s elegant vocals.

Halfway through, the cautiously textured “Getting Along With Love” flows with much beauty in the timeless jazz setting that benefits from Andrea Miller’s background vocals, while “The Festival” certainly could soundtrack a street party with its cozy trumpet, adventurous percussion, strategic guitar and Brazilian nods.

Near to the end, “Never Let You Go” brings a charming intimacy that showcases Eeg’s expressive and poetic pipes, and “Hymn” exits the listen soft and dreamy, with gorgeous wordless vocals

This is San Gabriel 7’s 11th album, and the inclusion of Eeg certainly was a wise choice as she illuminates their versatile version of jazz splendidly.

Travels well with: Chris Standring- Simple Things; Eric Goletz- A New Light