Hip shakin’ big rockin’ soul album Big Beat – SOUNDS GOOD FEELS GOOD: Folks, this band has DEFINITELY got that hip shakin’ big rockin’ soul thing down RIGHT… it’s not too often that we get super-soul like this in a big-band format any more, but this one rocks, for sure… the promo video is a tad old, but it still projects the KILLER vibe they put down for your ears…
…with super players like trombonist/conductor Caleb Rumley, bassist/arranger Charlie Dougherty, saxophonist Phil Engsberg, pianist Ryan Tomski and vocalist Allison McKenzie on-board, the group is the hippest of the hip… be sure to SUBSCRIBE to their YouTube channel, since you’re there already…. I did.
Since their new album doesn’t release until September 27th, 2019, you won’t find samples on Amazon, etc., so you’ll have to rely on these old (& soulful) ears (as soon as I’m told that this has gone live, I’ll come back & add the samples in)… tunes like “I’ll Be Burning For You” gives you a red-hot jazz experience in a big-band way, and Allison’s vocals are silky-smooth all the way through the tune. Truly one of the most invigorating soul tunes I’ve heard (yet) in 2019… I believe this song will be getting some MAJOR airplay on jazz/soul stations around the globe!
The splendid opener, “I Wanna Talk With You” (composed by Allison), takes me all the way back to the very best sessions from Tower of Power, but in Big Beat’s own very unique style… this one ROCKS, people.
There was no question in my mind that the tune “It’s Love” would get my pick for personal favorite of the nine soulful songs offered up for your aural pleasure… the vocal shines, and the jazz is thick & syrupy… real MEAT on those jazz bones!
I give Big Beat a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.99… get more information on this high-energy group on their Big Beat website. Rotcod Zzaj
