2014-04-07
Ou was formed in Italy in 2012. The band's debut, PIsces Crises, is a busy disc with a whole lot going on. Seattle producer, Amy Denio, must have had her hands full with this one. There is ukelele, organ, a horn section, piano, bass, drums, kalimba, vibraphone, and glockenspiel all backing many voices. The whole band sings (as well as the producer!). It all comes together to form a vocal jazz sextet; but this isn't your parents' vocal jazz. What Ou makes is entirely different. There are unusual time signatures, punchy or whispery vocalizations, and odd instrumentation. Contemporary vocal jazz is one of my least favorite genres. Ou brings me into the fold.
Rebecca Ruth
JESSICA WILLIAMS
With Love
DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS
BLACK CLOUD
MeShell Ndegeocello
The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel
Colin Stranahan
Transformation
THE DEAD KENNY G'S
Bewildered Herd
Various Artists
Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary All-Stars
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