Tag Archives: Jazz

Hejira, Junction J2, Cambridge, 22 July 2024

A full Junction J2 was treated to an evening of relaxed sound from the seven piece band Hejira, formed by guitarist Pete Oxley to play their own tunes but mainly as a showcase for the mid-career albums of Joni Mitchell. These collections were infused with jazz style and top-rate session players, especially on the live double LP ‘Shadows and Light’. At the time the compositions were given their emotional range and depth by Joni’s vocals and for the show tonight singer Hattie Whitehead delivered the empathetic and nuanced performances that did the songs full justice. The many highlights included ‘Coyote’, ‘Free Man in Paris’, ‘Woodstock’ and as an encore, the brilliant ‘A Case of You’.

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Soloman Smith : Y’dig That !, LP released 1 August 2023

The new album from singer/songwriter Soloman Smith is full of jazzy and thoughtful tracks, laced with some acerbic social comment but always retaining the sanctity of the groove.

Opener ‘Analog’ bemoans the passing of simpler forms of communication ‘…only reel-to -reel feels real…’ in a dense lyric over a relaxed backing from his band. This is followed by the more insistent ‘System ain’t equal ain’t fair’ using examples from US politics and bringing in some spicy electric guitar from key collaborator Chris Newman. The lightness of touch of ‘Toulouse’ is a pleasure to listen to, with the travelogue lyric woven through with sparkling piano.

‘Nora’ is possibly my favourite on this LP; a simple ballad in waltz time, infused with introspective emotion. ‘The Devil and Mister Leech’ is an upbeat rendition of a macabre local folk tale, before the wistful piano ballad finale ‘The Crooner’s Elegy’.

With this mixture of styles and immersive lyrics along with warm playing and production there is plenty to enjoy on this fine collection of original songs.

solomansmith.com

Snowpoet : Thought You Knew, LP released February 2018

Snowpoet join together elements of folk, jazz, ambient and of course poetry to produce a captivating fusion of sound. The writing and performing core of the band is singer Lauren Kinsella and instrumentalist Chris Hyson joined on this album by other talented acoustic players.

Opening track ‘The Therapist’ is a glistening series of guitar arpeggios with the soulful vocal of Lauren on a haunting journey where the melody never quite settles. Other instruments steal in and out and the overall effect is beguiling and mellow. Instrumental track two ‘Under The Tree’ has a ticking clock theme and paves the way for some shimmering string effects on the pastoral ‘Water Baby’ along with the piano figure constantly returning under the voice.

‘Love Again’ is a longer piece and probably my favourite track on the album, a jazzy late-night treat with a slightly up-tempo bass and a saxophone solo; like much of this album it is never too hurried. ‘Dear Someone’ is vocal only, you can imagine this one making an impact in a live context. ‘Snow’ is a measured, smooth ballad with a gorgeous vocal performance, ‘Two Of Cups’ (a tarot card that ‘…shows the beauty and power that is created when two become one…’) is a slow, evocative waltz that is reminiscent of a mid-period Van Morrison instrumental track.

And there are more special moments; the semi-spoken word of ‘It’s Already Better Than OK’ and the simple piano accompaniment to the free form ‘Another Step’, a short and powerful vignette that brings this impressive album to a satisfying end.

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