Dr Jones – Sugar (own label)
author: Stuart Ferguson
Dr Jones first album opens with a rumbling slap bass, soon joined on the soundstage by a wah-wah guitar and shimmering Rhodes chords, setting the bar high for the level of musical virtuosity displayed throughout. Euan Macrae and Karen Porter share lead vocals, which are skilfully layered, counterpointed and effected to create a sound reminiscent of Hall and Oates at their late seventies peak. There are some great horn charts, in part arranged by Niall Howe who plays a wide range of impressive keyboards throughout…in short, it’s lucky this sextet met up, because they would stick out uncomfortably playing with anyone less gifted than each other.
Enough about virtuosity, already – play the album a couple of times and the catchy pop/funk tunes, all composed by the band, start to lodge in the brain. Good comparisons are Kokomo, the aforementioned Hall and Oates – the downside would be an occasional tendency toward the likes of Level 42 and the “OK” end of the acid-jazz spectrum. Odious comparisons are just a guideline though, and it has to be said that Dr Jones play with considerably more brio and commitment than many of the acid-jazz clones. They’ve taken on some of the influences of their heroes but have successfully created their own sound to communicate their message, much of which is spiritual. Discussing spirituality in popular music isn’t the most fashionable thing but it didn’t stop Prince or Duke Ellington…so cut some slack and feel the groove.
Best bits; the lovely, moody two-chord coda of Everything, the bubbling funk/pop of To Be Free and the quiet statement of intent that is Belief. All I Wanna Do could easily be from the pen of one of noughties pop’s backroom boys and sounds like a hit single.
If there’s a criticism to be made, it’s only that the style of music Dr Jones play could have benefited from some analogue dirtying-up; the digitally clean production, while portraying all instruments and voices accurately, does take away some sense of drama.
But overall, Sugar is an impressive package. Let’s hope we hear and indeed see, more of this band.
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Excellent album, well produced, keeps you coming back.
author: Norm D. Plume
Very long awaited but well worth it. A very well produced album without a bad track. Impressive drum/basslines. Accomplished keys/guitars. Two vocals provide great harmony for big sound. Hard to pick a best track but the last one probably steals the show. Still enjoying the album!
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