Cool Jazz Vibes
Almost 20 years since their last release, Detroit avant garde group Was (Not Was) are back with another crazy collection of tunes that span jazz, funk, pop and all manner of colourful and fruity genre in between.
'Semi-Interesting Week' kicks off full of jazzy brass and bruising blues vocals snazzed up with syncopated snatches of guitar and noodling solos that are ready to get you in the party mood. There's a similar shimmering creative mishmash with underlying jazz tones in, 'Big Black Hole' and the party theme spreads into the groovy, 'Crazy Water' with its rich, deep vocals and handclaps.
'It's A Miracle' is more of a traditional smooth blues affair with slick vocal harmonies and a relaxed backing of brass and soothing "oohs" and 'From The Head To The Heart' continues the more chilled vibe, offering a pretty ballad with a delicate melody and swelling strings, proving just quite how varied Was (Not Was) are.
'Your Luck Won't Last' ups the pace with a frantic rapped vocal line and flightly collection of electro beats that could feature on any dance record; if you want more dance, the curious, 'Needletooth' with its sharp vocoder vocals will float your boat but the majority of Was (Not Was)'s fare is distinctly jazz and it's no wonder that they're rocking Jools Holland's boat and due to appear on his show later this month. If you fancy the kind of smooth jazzy Jools infusions, then that's what Was (Not Was) have on offer and "Boo!" is a fine example, although it probably won't float most indie and rock fans' boats.