Zoophyte: Galapagos
Author: Andy Robson
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Musicians: |
Dave Jones |
Label: |
Howlin’ Werewolf/Bandcamp |
Magazine Review Date: |
December/January/2023/2024 |
Media Format: |
CD, DL |
RecordDate: |
Rec. October 2022 |
Another victim of Covid lockdowns, the delayed arrival of Galapagos is worth the wait if you’re a fan of Steely Dan-styled jazz-pop. The follow up to Signs of Life, Zoophyte is a vehicle for the song writing talents of Peter Jones and Trevor Lever, who, like evident influences Becker and Fagen, have recruited the cream of sessioneers to enrich their songs.
Flowers, of the London Horns, is stellar as ever, pepping up the Rhodes driven groove of ‘Edwin’s Mood’ or all moody on the noir vibe of ‘Wait Until Dark’. It’s a coup that Jones and Lever have sashayed in Rob Luft and his post-bossa acoustic work on ‘Open Book’ and ‘Let’s Get Out of the City’ sets the perfect vibe for these Bacharach-like wind in the hair anthems. All we’re missing is a red, open top MG. Jones’ oh-so-cool, polo-necked vox, as unflustered as a stirred Martini, soothes throughout, with its intimations of Manhattan Transfer’s sophisticated pop with Weather Report.
Galapagos can err toward a loungecore lugubriousness, but as five of the 11 tracks are instrumentals with space a-plenty for the likes of Ross and Smart, there’s goodies for jazz ears to savour. Hitch up your slacks, slip on the shades and chill.
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