Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Jazz and swing can so easily mocked by some but at times providing the link between good music and an enjoyable time. It cannot be a coincidence that the increase in popularity over the last few years is more akin to the times we find ourselves in, the untold parallels that don’t get talked about in the hushed rooms of Westminster to those that afflicted Europe in the 1920s and 30s. Between Jazz and Blues the music certainly kept up the spirits of many of those under fire during that time and now The Basin Street Brawlers are putting up an excellent fight to keep the music flowing in the 21st Century with their new album, It’s Tight Like That.
The scuffle between 21st Century living, the chance to still believe in having a good time for the sake of it and the ever increasing need to have a good time because of the way we are being taught to live has never been more acute but Peter Horsfall, Ewan Bleach, Dave O Brien, Mez Clough, Colin Good, Martin Wheatley and Malcom Earle-Smith all add to the combined smooth mixing bowl on offer with plenty of sparkle and energy and more musical effervescence than a thousand tablets designed to tackle indigestion dropped into a sink of water.
It’s Tight Like That has bought together a group of musicians so adept at their craft that despite they have learned their craft under different wings, the tell-tale signs of their inspirational love of the greats of the Inter-war period shines through with abundant sensuality. Pete Horsfall’s lead vocals, especially on tracks such as, If Dreams Come True, How Am I to Know, the excellent Stars Fell On Alabama and Just One of Those Things, coalesce and mingle with the instruments on offer quicker than a desperate single at wine and cheese party.
Ewan Bleach’s clarinet and saxophone and Mez Clough’s drums are so on fire during the album that it wouldn’t be a surprise to find that the London Fire Brigade were kept on call outside the recording studio just on the off chance.
The Basin Street Brawlers are a set of musicians in which to revel in, to swing to with abandon and to enjoy in good times and bad. A great album by a great band!
The album has two launch parties, both in London. Go to band’s website for more details.
Ian D. Hall