Edgy energetic CD a must have

Grand Opening
Coast Jumper
9-out-of-10

Grand Opening, the aptly named debut record from California's Coast Jumper is an extraordinary effort. Laden with swift rhythm and enough melodic twists to fill a cargo ship, Grand Opening is an energetic, sophisticated, and edgy release.

From listening to the record, it's apparent that many hours of hard work went into it. Everything is composed with great attention to detail, from the swept chords to every single fill and embellishment. The songs are meticulously put together, layer upon layer of sound come together to create a fluid soundscape. Genres are pushed and rules are broken on many tracks. At times the jazzy and ambient influence of Grizzly Bear comes through, only to be shattered by an aggressive breakdown or a more punk influenced bridge. A confusing blend of indie and post rock collide, crushing dream pop and surf sound between them.

Tracks like "Lawless" and "Disabler" carry a crisper, heavy, hard rock tone while "Please Stay Awake" and "Infinite Something" take on a larger, drawn out ambient style. This versatile style creates in interesting album with welcomed experimentation and a different perspective. The rich, sophisticated melodies ring out from guitars and keys with perfect tone and timing. The band exhibits a high level of talent with these complex arrangements and savvy intonation. Along with the instrumental elements, the soft and harmonic vocals sing eloquently and resonate perfectly.

Grand Opening is a hard album to define but an easy one to get behind. The band urges listeners to take it in order and its entirety, and there's really no other way to enjoy it. From start to finish it is an entertaining ride with many twists and turns. www.coastjumper.com

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU

One Drink Minimum
Shotgun Jazz Band
10-out-of-10

"Jazz" has become a rather ambiguous term. Avante-Gard, big band, chamber, bebop, neo-bop, post-bop and hard-bop, Cool Jazz, Free Jazz, and Continental Jazz are all "Jazz". The Jazz that I truly enjoy, and the reason I'm constantly jealous of my friends living in New Orleans, is Traditional Jazz. That timelessly cool mixture of Dixieland and Ragtime that slaps a smile on your face and gets you dancing.

The Shotgun Jazz Band and their newest record One Drink Minimum is an outstanding throw back to the early 20th century, and the birth of the most influential style of music to come to fruition in the last 100 years.

Recorded live in a New Orleans jazz club, One Drink Minimum shines with its over-the-top renditions, laid back style, and deep tradition. The ensemble stays true to classic form and includes double bass, saxophone, clarinet, banjo, piano, a riveting percussion section, trumpet, and of course, unbelievable solos from all involved. They combine all of these elements into a hot, bluesy, ragtime jam that is very pleasing to the ear. I'm unsure if the songs on the record are traditional renditions or originals, but it really doesn't matter, they are all an endorphin releasing, toe tapping, head bopping good time ride.

Because this album was captured live, there is an unparalleled energy and nuance to the performance. Much like how records were first recorded, with everyone in front of one microphone, this yields an authentic sound and feel from the band.

One Drink Minimum is a great mix of all the things that made Jazz, "Jazz". Plus, with the release of The Great Gatsby in May, now's the time to brush up on your Foxtrot and practice mixing those Old Fashioned's.

www.shotgunjazzband.bandcamp.com

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU