Despite the title of drummer Bill Stewart's latest album, this certain'y isn't a journey into psychedelic space rock or prog. Space Squid is the latest offering from the jazz drummer extraordinaire, and he's joined by Seamus Blake on saxophones, pianist Bill Carrothers, and bass player Ben Street. Containing 11 tracks of melodic jazz and upbeat funk, Space Squid highlights the synergy of the four players, all whom have played with each other in various incarnations in other bands or projects, but here for the first time as a unit.
Blake's soaring, majestic sax melodies , as well as Carrothers' classy piano, carry most of these songs, especially "Dead Ringer", "If Anyone Asks You", and "Paris Lope", each one a great example of soothing, smooth jazz, but it's the upbeat classic jazz & funk of tunes like the title track, "Happy Walk" (which features a wonderful piano solo), and "Tincture" that really impress, with Stewart's acrobatic fills and polyrhythms exploding underneath alongside Street's sinewy bass grooves. From top to bottom, Space Squid is filled with tasty tunes featuring swinging melodies and impressive ensemble playing, with less time spent on showboating and more on crafting enjoyable songs. Job well done guys!
Track Listing
1) Paris Lope
2) End of Earth
3) Tincture
4) Septemberism
5) Happy Walk
6) Drop of Dusk
7) Dead Ringer
8) Blue Sway
9) If Anyone Asks You
10) Space Squid
11) Dancing in the Dark
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