CD Review: Mammal Hands - Animalia.

Nick Smart (keys); Jordan Smart (saxes); Jesse Barrett (dms/tabla).
(Review by Lance.)

One of the quotes describes this as "Somewhere between Go Go Penguin and early Portico Quartet". 

I'm not sure that that's an area I particularly want to visit - with or without Penguins. However, after tentatively dipping my toe in the water, I find this to be a not unpleasant experience. All three musicians are talented players capable of meaningful improvisations without resorting to the barnyard effects so beloved of many of our contemporary players.

It doesn't swing in the conventional manner but it does have its own pendulumic pulse that becomes almost hypnotic even when the tempo is moving like a snail on Speed.

From the above you will have gathered that this is not an out and out jazz album as I know it although most of the original material is jazz based even when, I won't say diluted, it is merged with fringe genres such as World Music and Irish Folk.

The trio gel, the interplay and the riffs work out so well that a bass player would probably be superfluous.

There are moments when the pet shop arsonists move in but not long enough to cause any pain to the animals. In actual fact, repeated listening finds me more drawn to it as I absorb and assimilate the different influences and ingredients.

This won't be my album of the year but it will be nearer the top than the bottom!

Available this week on Gondwana Records Gondo 12.

Lance.