"Something
Else":
an eclectic and catchy mix of jazz, soul, funk and
ballads
featuring
Polly Gibbons, Celena Bain, Bex Tindle and
Tamiya B. Johnston
This album reflects a part of that diversity. Not only is it a mix of vocal and instrumental tracks (the vocal tracks featuring four different singers), it covers a fairly wide spectrum of styles. From the driving soul of Action to the dreaminess of Delicious Kiss to the lyrical sadness of Don't Take Too Long to the feelgood danceability of Holiday to the spacious jazz-funk (with surprise touches) of Something Else - you never know quite what to expect. Some might consider it daring to include, say, Give Yourself a Chance and Size 8 on the same record, but it works - it still makes a unity, because of the excellent musicianship and commitment of the artists, the quality of the writing, and something indefinable. And because you come away humming the tunes.
The musicians are among the best players around. If drums can soar, modern bop star Dylan Howe's certainly do. Dave Chamberlain works wonders on some fiendish basslines. Denny Ilett's lyrical and apparently effortless improvisations tell a story with every solo, while Steve Rubie's uplifting flute, John Anderson's beautiful oboe tones and the two swinging saxes add further excitement.
The vocal tracks feature four of the best up and coming singers in the UK. Polly Gibbons grabs a song by the scruff of the neck and shakes soul into it, making it her own like the jazz diva she is - hear her on Action, When Your Lover Leaves and Moonlight Blues. Celena Bain's silky voice soothes us in the dreamy but uplifting Delicious Kiss. Bex Tindle's pure tones bring a heartfelt vulnerability to Don't Take Too Long, and Tamiya B. Johnston's ice-cool but very human sound helps make Give Yourself a Chance so affecting (and add a special touch to the title track).
Something else, indeed.
All songs: words and music by Mark Lester except Delicious Kiss (words by Mark Lester and Lisa Sevell, music by Mark Lester)
Vocals: Polly Gibbons, Celena Bain, Bex Tindle, Tamiya B. Johnston. Drums: Dylan Howe. Double and electric bass: David Chamberlain. Guitar: Denny Ilett. Flute: Steve Rubie. Tenor sax: Julian Webster-Greaves. Alto sax: Aaron Liddard. Oboe: John Anderson. Piano and keyboards: Mark Lester. Produced by Mark Lester. Engineered by Tim Burns and Justin Underhill. Mixed by Tim Burns at the Cowshed, London. Mastered by James Hewgill.
mark lester




