In recent years there have been very few bands who can pull off the fusion of ska and jazz music in a way that is comparable to the originators. Some come to mind such as Jazz Jamaica, NYSJE, or The Senior All Stars, but theres a new band to look out for with a new record called Old Secrets!
Hailing from Barcelona, Spain The Oldians are a six piece group of varied talent from such bands as The Kinky Koo Koos, Flight 404, Aggronauts, Moonrakers, and The Cabrians to name a few.
Their experience and understanding of Jamaican and Jazz music is apparent in each tune. From the crack of the snare on the very first track She I knew I was in for a real treat. That smooth bass line setting the pace with a smooth vintage feel. The dueling Alto and Tenor sax tell a story that can be understood no matter who are. Enter the guitar licks in the vain of Ernest Ranglin, trickle in that beautiful tone of Eduard Fernandez’ piano and you know this thing is hot.
For those of you who like your ska set to blazing horns and rapid fire upbeats, you might think of some of these tunes as elevator music or lounge but I assure you, you would do well to take a closer listen and give this excelent peice of wax a spin or ten. The instrumentals on this thing are mind blowing yet relaxing while giving the listener a lesson in Jamaican Jazz music and where it came from.
Once the vocal tunes hit, the solid musicianship of The Oldians shines! Ruben Lopez Warrior guests on the Sometimes where he duos with female vocalist Leire Echarri. This one soothes the soul and massages the ear lobes to no end. Midnight Moods and Do It Twice remind me of those smoothed out instrumentals from Hepcat. And if you like those steady rocking easy grooves, Green Lullaby stands out with it’s throbbing bass and and charming playfulness.
Each tunes lends time for the musicains to showcase thier talent and add their personal touch. And I think that’s the charm of Old Secrets. The love for the music and group effort is very apparent. If you like Jamaican Jazz music and it’s predacessors such as Roland Alphonso, Tommy McCook, and Monty Alexander, you will love this release on Redstar73 Records.
Check out: www.myspace.com/theoldians
http://www.musicaloccupation.com/