Friday, 31 May 2024

Posted by Gerry Hectic | File under : , , ,

Mr Bongo's art department have got their finger on the button as the image perfectly reflects the debut album by Finn Rees, 'Dawn Is A Melody'.

You might think that this the natural 'jazzy' follow up to Rubel's album 'Palavras, Vol. 1 & 2' (see review HERE) as it comes from the hot-bed of Australian jazz-soul-hip-hop, Melbourne where Finn Rees in based.

The opener, 'Looking Up' is like a lush mix of Cinematic Orchestra and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson's 'Suite For Ma Dukes' which is more than a recommendation in itself.

And this quality continues throughout 'Lagoon', 'Expansions' (like a modern Lonnie Liston Smith). 'It's Behind Me Know' and 'Crossing' all stand-out but it's all in a deep spiritual envelope of the Coltrane's, Funky Herbie and all of Mr. Bongo's back catalogue of sunrise/sunset Brazilian classics (check out 'Between Spaces' - one of ENO's 'Nature' project?).

And then, at the  same time, this has an Aussie bravado; Rees' keyboard skills are joined by Cheryl Durongpitikul (tenor sax), Siwei Wong (harp), Audrey Powne (trumpet and recent album, 'From The Fire', see review HERE), and Allysha Joy on vocals - sounds like a 'Brownswood' super group! 

This is going to crop up on many a 'Best Of 2024' list to come.

Artist: Finn Rees 

Title: Dawn Is A Melody 

Release date: 31st May, 2024 

Label : Mr Bongo 

Catalog Number : MRBCDLP305

Format : LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

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