Reviewing an album by Self and Chlodini is becoming an annual thing. Feels So Good is the third one in as many years: Touch and Go in 2023 and My America 2: My Destinations in 2022. On both occasions I expressed my reservations in advance. Happily, those reservations proved to be pleasantly unfounded.
Such is the case with this latest offering. Self plays with a mellifluous tone on both F tuba and his own invention the fluba - the offspring of crossing a tuba with a flugelhorn.
Chlodini varies between electric and 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars providing a captivating contrast between Jim Self and himself.
However, excellent as the duo tracks are, it is the tracks featuring the guests that perked me up.
Steve March's tenor on his own Fanciful Dream slots in well with the duo. His boppy lines very effective.
Phil Feather evokes the spirit of Johnny Hodges on Strayhorn's Isfahan. Lovely sound.
Bill Booth is featured on trombone with his biting sound capturing the mood of Polka Dots and Moonbeams, firstly in a melodic manner then setting a swinging groove that gets the feet tapping.
Kris Bergh, the notes tell us, is making a big splash in L.A. and it's easy to see why. The young trumpet player has paid his listening dues and hits on the correct mix on Riddle of the Mode.
All six combine to jam on Ornette's Blues Connotation with Self blowing a walking bass line before taking centre stage for a three chorus blast. Needless to say that Chlodini's harmonic foundation (and his solos) throughout are sound.
Well worth checking out. BANDCAMP. Lance
You'd be so nice to come home to; I Forget; Fanciful Dream; Cinema Paradiso; Feels So Good; Isfahan; Super Mario; Midsummer; Polka Dots and Moonbeams; Sidewinder; Riddle of the Mode; Little Beauty; Blues Connotation
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