by Adam (Toronto, Canada) - Each week I preview an album (every Saturday) which I think deserves a listen to and if it's worth to buy, I will cater for all tastes of music from R'n'B to Rock, Country, Hip hop and Pop.
Matt's Mood - Matt Bianco
Release Date: May 17, 2004
It's good to hear quality music once again! Old bands which is rounding up their old members usually spells trouble for all involved. But when you're Mark Reilly and your old mates are Danny White and Basia Trzetrzelewska, it's a freaking great idea, and Matt's Mood demonstrates the monster talents of all!
It's a fantastic amalgam of pop, jazz, swing, Latin, retro, lounge, spy, in both English and Polish, thrown into a great spin. It won't freak out any fans of either the '86-'03 Matt Bianco or of Basia's solo work, but at the same time MB changes up the game by going more retro on many tracks, and it works well for them.
You can hear snippets of stuff reminding you of anything from Brazil '66 to Manhattan Transfer to soundtracks from swinging movies like Pink Panther, Mission Impossible or the James Bond series-and all done with love, not with cheap irony. These three tried twenty years ago on the 'Whose Side Are You On' album and while that was quite good, Matt's Mood fulfills the promise that the first album didn't quite deliver.
Danny White has morphed into an even bigger piano virtuoso than on his last recording with Basia - and that says a ton, because his playing on The Sweetest Illusion was first rate. Not only does he deliver gorgeous straight piano work, he also handles the more electric-keyboard and organ sounds with finesse-in lesser hands, the '60s feel of the music could have been turned into a schlock fest or have gone overly campy. Instead, the arrangements are complex without being overdone, and everything sounds natural even if it comes from electronic equipment. He's always been underrated and one truly hopes he gets the acclaim he's long deserved from this recording.
Basia sounds as if ten years had never passed, and it could be argued that these songs are among her best vocal work to date. She seems to be having a great deal of fun too, particularly on La Luna, and tracks like 'Say The Words' are beautifully done. Her lyrics, while not as confessional as on her solo work, have enough intrigue to add another dimension to her vocals, and true to form she sings a bit in Polish as well, making it sound sexier than 'Whose Side Are You On?'. Some of the songs do sound like they could have been from a lost solo album (Ordinary Day, Say The Words), but instead of relying on past glories, Basia changes it up and goes far more jazzy on the majority of the album. When on background vocals, she does a great job translating her signature overdubs into this retro-cool setting. In fact, she fits right into the era-specific feel of songs like Kaleidoscope and Slip and Sliding. Let's hope this brilliant singer at the top of her game doesn't go into hiding again.
Hardly the least, Mark Reilly provides the swagger and the 'tude of the group. Kaleidoscope, in his hands, is a swinging bachelor pad anthem, and I Never Meant To is swoon worthy. It's been commented by many Fisher/Reilly-era fans that he gets underutilized on this album, and I don't quite agree, but I would have loved to have heard some more of his sass nonetheless. It's not too often that someone can both compliment and contrast with another voice, but Mark does both, and it really makes the album work-especially on the striking Wrong Side of the Street. His brand of cool is a necessary part of the group's chemistry, and I really hope we get to hear more of it on a future MB project with this lineup.
And if all that weren't enough, the musicians are absolutely top shelf throughout. Killer flute and sax work comes courtesy of Andrew Ross, and his solos on Matt's Mood III are just knockout. Kevin Robinson meanwhile contributes right-on '60s-styled trumpet and flugelhorn arrangements, but then will go completely left field with an offbeat trumpet solo here and there (speaking of solo records, Robinson should put one out). Peter White delivers lovely guitar work that fits right in with his own solo repertoire. Most of these guys have worked with MB or Basia over the years, and on this album it sounds like the best kind of gathering of friends (as well as brothers and partners). Especially great is the incorporation of unreleased baritone sax solos by the late Ronnie Ross-absolutely ace playing.
At the same time charmingly retro and freshly current, and both emotive and just plain fun to listen to, Matt's Mood is a fantastic album. Do yourself a favour and pick this one up now - even on import, it's a bargain. Highly recommended!
Highlights of the album:
This particular release features Basia more at the forefront at the vocals, compared to their debut release over twenty years ago. Their signature jazz-latin sound still remains.
With the return of Danny White, the album has an even more of a modern film noir-like theme ("Wrong Side Of The Street" & "Kaleidoscope"). It reminds me of "Whose Side Are You On" with a touch of Basia's "The Sweetest Illusion".
Other notable songs are "La Luna" (classic cha-cha sound!) and the latin swing-jive vibe of "Slip and Sliding".
There are even beautifully written and arranged ballads such as "I Never Meant To" and the heartfelt "Say The Words".
"Golden Day" is a bright uplifting song that reminds me of days when I would wonder around the city during the workweek.
"Ordinary Day" is a great opening tune, keeping in the true bossa nova sound.
The great standout is the tribute to the late great Ronnie Ross in "Ronnie's Samba" (who played mean baritone sax on the album!) It seemed as though he never left!
The closer "Matts Mood III" is always a great instrumental to finish off a great CD.
Overall this a great release featuring the fantastic musicianship of both Danny and Peter White as well as Kevin Robinson (Incognito) and Tim Cansfield (Swing Out Sister). The long time cohorts of Andrew Ross and Julian Crampton also appear on the CD. Even though this a big departure from recent Matt Bianco releases, this album stands out on it's own. Perhaps there's truth to the idea of coming to a full circle. Mr. Reilly and Ms. Trzetrzelewska complement each other well vocally! The band couldn't be any tighter that this... It is amazing how the original members sound so at ease and relaxed (comfortable) with one another after not performing together for two decades! I don't know how long this will last, I'm just glad they got back together for this one. Go out and buy it, this is the SUMMER Soundtrack of 2004!!!
Rating: 8.5
Tracklisting
1. Ordinary Day (9/10)
2. I Never Meant To (7/10)
3. Wrong Side Of The Street (8/10)
4. La Luna (10/10)
5. Say The Words (8/10)
6. Golden Days (8/10)
7. Ronnie's Samba (10/10)
8. Kaleidoscope (8/10)
9. Slip & Sliding (8/10)
10. Matt's Mood III (9/10)
