Here are a couple releases that, while not exactly “jazz” per se, capture a part of the American spirit.
Sol Driven Train is made up of Ward Buckheister/v-g-tb, Russell Clarke/sax-v, Matt Thompson/b-v, Ross Bogan/key-voc, Joel Timmons/g-v and Wes Powers/dr. As advertised, they create infectious grooves for dancing, sometimes with a partner and other times by yourself or in a nosh pit. The sounds range from easy rockers such as “Crazy Dancer” to reggae inflected material such as “Coconut Tree” while it’s hard to stay sitting on soulful material like “Big Easy Walk” and “Lobstamandaughta.” The heart of the band is reflected on the finale “Altitude” which features the band using body percussion with doo-wop a capella harmonies. A smile on the face type sound.
Duke Harwood is more of the singer/songwriter type that goes back to the days of 70s. He’s got a deep voice which he keeps close to the chest, rarely completely opening up, preferring a restrained “indie” feel. He sets himself in an acoustic guitar atmosphere, and tells stories no unlike early Tom Waitss on “Burning Seas” and “Disco Nights.” The accompaniment is coffee shop Spartan, which adds to the informal atmosphere. He sounds like he’s been around the block a few times, and with a few beers will tell you his tales of woe some evening.
Heavenly Recordings