JAGA JAZZIST — One-Armed Bandit (review)

JAGA JAZZIST — One-Armed Bandit album cover Album · 2010 · Nu Jazz Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
FunkFreak75
A collection of delightful, mostly melodic and upbeat music--not unlike Bill Bruford's EARTHWORKS, TORTOISE, and the great Minimalists though often more straightforward and predictable. "One-armed Bandit" (9/10) is a charming, happy, hummable, and memorable tune--a cruisin' tune or a movie soundtrack intro or credits companion. I hear a little inluence of French soundtracks, BURT BACHARACH and even STEVE REICH minimalism. Same for the pretty, slower "Bananfleur Overalt" (9/10) Nice bass lines. "V,Spectral" (8.5/20) offers a SATIE-like piano intro before a funky, acid jazz feel takes over. More to the electronica side with this one, even the horns sound electronically treated. "Toccata" (9/10) is straight out of the STEVE REICH/PHILLIP GLASS school of minimalism. Add a little PAT METHENY sounds (drums & electronica) and you've got a classic Philip Glass soundtrack piece. "Prognissokongen" (8.5/10) is the supposed prog tribute. It still feels very 'French soundtrack somposer imitating Philip Glass' to me--even the speeded up section and crash. "Book of Glass" (8/10) is another pretty electronic song--very STEREOLAB-like. Cool song! "Music! Dance! Drama!" (7/10) is a TORTOISE-STEROLAB-MONO (British version) styled song perfect for riding around in the city tour bus. "Touch of Evil" (8/10) has an emo-angsty spy-espionage movie soundtrack feel to it. It's actually a very cool, hauntingly beautiful song--complete with some upfront Euro-disco sounds and themes to it.

A pleasant, fun, wholly listenable and entertaining music experience. Great music for driving the countryside or doing housework! Solid four stars.

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