Summer, we are told, is here. Despite the disappointing forecasts and the even more disappointing (and wet!) actuality, our minds turn longingly to barbecues in the back garden, parties in the park and other such carefree, dressed-down leisure activities. These things always require a soundtrack and, opportunely, Charlie Carter and friends are on hand to provide one.
In his third album as a leader and principal vocalist, Carter serves up a sunshiney cocktail of optimistic jazz compositions, ably backed by some very charismatic friends - among them Sid Gauld, trumpeter from the long-standing band Incognitos, who adds a chirpy accompaniment to the already very chirpy title track. And chripiness is very much the general tone of the album, with the second track Turn Off The News (good advice in these times of ours) being about as close as it gets to the glums. Normal service is restored with Wedding Bells Are Gonna Chime. Carter has a pleasnatly-timbred baritone voice, ideally suited to the laid-back selections presented here.
Vocal guest spots come from Fances Eva Lea on the shimmering Something Changed and Siobhan Harrison on I Just Can’t Explain: Both Lea and Harrison are veterans of the London jazz scene. A third guest is Odette Adams who lends vocals to the John Barryesequ composition Diamonds & Vagabonds. Other guests include acoustic guitarist Rafael Valim, with Will King on trombone and Charlie Heywood on electric guitar. The latter two are currently reaching the end of their studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
All in all, this is a very tasty seasonal treat which should make the prefect accompaniment to your summer activities - whether it’s sunny, or not!
Reviewer - Richard Ely
on - 23/6/19
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