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Reverend Chris: @etude
ByThe leader's mostly-electric piano makes a soft and sprightly bed for the horn duo to caper over while the shuffling rhythm players stomp their hearts out. New addition Thomas Razler on sax adds a dose of Philly soul in spots like the brightly bouncing "Gene Pullen," while Bart Miltenberger's trumpet brings us to the heart of N'awlins with dashes of creole and cabaret. Marsceill's time living in that town obviously left some permanent effects, judging by "Huddle House Honey"'s zoot-suit swagger or the ragtimey blues of "The Sun Is Gold" (not to mention the brief straightforward homage to Allen Toussaint). Touches of the French Quarter and Professor Longhair are never terribly far away.
Mostly there's little need to step up to the mike, though the Rev's light drawl occasionally adds to the old-time vibe in a charmingly low-key manner. For the most part he's happy to stick to the keys and let the band do what they do best. The High Rollers' friendly chemistry is palpable throughout. It's a recording that was made with everyone live in the same room, and there was no inclination to overthink or over-polish while letting the good times roll. The attitude of @etude is one of bright celebration; it all makes an invitingly upbeat listen from a sharp crew ready to carouse till the sun comes up.
Track Listing
@etude; Huddle House Honey; Gene Pullen; Allen Toussaint; Carpet Bagger's Blues; The Storm; The Sun is Gold (When the Night Gets Old); Pretty Kitty Two-Step; Nowhere Bound Affair; Isla's Waltz; Look Where We Have Been; So Long Andromeda
Personnel
Rev Chris
pianoBart Miltenberger: trumpet; Thomas Razler: saxophone; Tony Garro: upright bass; Rich Curtis: electric bass; Julian Miltenberger: drums; Tony Green: drums; Chuck Lindsey: drums; Reverend Chris: keys, melodica and vocals
Album information
Title: @etude | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: self produced
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