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
DENNIS ROLLINS VELOCITY TRIO
The 11th Gate
Babatunde Lea
Level of Intent
GRP (GABRIEL RIESCO PROJECT)
Sculptures in Time
ALICIA MENNINGA
Renewal
The Hot Club of San Francisco
John Paul George & Django
LAVAY SMITH & HER RED HOT SKILLET LICKERS
MISS SMITH TO YOU
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.