CD review. Elaine Binney and The Jazz Rascals

Elaine Binney (vln); Peter Skeen (gtr/vcl); Keith Mills (bs); Jae Brooks (dms). This is the CD from the Durant Hall session in February. 'tis good to hear the music again and enjoy. The Jazz Rascals aren't a band that kicks the door down but, in their own way, they do explore new territory with a mix of jazz standards, original compositions and unusual arrangements done with subtlety and no shortage of panache. Take 5 - wails in 5/4 with some fancy fiddling from the leader and okay contributions from guitar and drums plus solid bass support. Swan Like – an original with vocal by Peter. Autumn Leaves - Elaine states the the theme with an attractive variation by Peter Skeen and a bass solo from Keith before a drum fill then an out of tempo exploration by Elaine before returning to the melody and out. Jokers and Kings - a quirky original with unexpected twists and turns that is somehow catchy. Summertime - another vocal by Peter who manages to escape the stereotyped image of the Gershwin tune. Treaty of Trianon – get the pattern? Standard/original/standard/original. This original starts off with an exploratory opening that gets an almost Romany groove to it – czardas and peasant skirts spring to mind. The Treaty of Trianon was actually a treaty drawn up in Hungary after the First World War. Stormy Weather - Peter back on vocal with an abridged version of the lyric that leads into Elaine's statement of the melody. January Blue - a dreamy post Xmas feel about it before going into a strutting almost Ceilidh-like mode! You Are So Beautiful - just that with an emotive vocal from Peter. Work Song – straight forward swinger. Ain't Misbehavin' – Grappelli mode with violin/drum fours. It's a delightful CD although, to read the back cover a visit to Specsavers is recommended as 20-20 vision plus is need to decipher the track titles! Fortunately, the music makes up for it! Lance.