Neptune Quartet are a countrified jazz acoustic band who make magic happen with the subtlest of musical notions.  \"My Summer of \'42\"  is built around a sparse loop of an acoustic guitar strumming one chord.  As the song progresses, cello, mandolin, and some tastefully effected, almost psychedelic electric guitar all fill in the gaps and the song builds both dynamically and melodically. A bit later, we find the 9 minute epic \"Kong\", a group improvisation inspired by Frank Zappa. There\'s no hot-dogging or showboating, musically, just the tasteful and appropriate performances from the capable players in the band. Of course, \"I Can\'t Get Started\" is sure to be recognized by lovers of the American songbook, and Wes Ivankovich provides a suitably Billie Holiday-influenced vocal delivery. The album has an even mix of originals and covers which fit seemlessly alongside each other. Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Hank Williams, and Tom Waits are all excellent company for the gypsy jazz/folky bluegrass/swing numbers written by the Neptune Quartet themselves. The inclusion of cello and occasional electric guitars combined with the genre hopping from old-timey country to American standards, to jazz and bluegrass really make this group and this album a delightful listen and keep the listener engaged and curious about what new styles and sonic textures await them from song to song. This is wonderful music from a talented bunch who aren\'t afraid to make daring musical choices.
                            Read more...