Charlie and the Tropicales
Jump Up
***and1/2 out of *****
For their third album Charlie and the Tropicales take their engaging mix of mid century Caribbean sounds filtered through a New Orleans lens, and flush it out with a host of guest vocalists onboard for the exciting ride.
The Tropicales is a fluid group from song to song here with trombonist and bandleader Charlie Halloran being the captain (who helps out on backing vocals as well) as he sails the pirate ship of retro sounds throughout the Caribbean picking up styles and influences from port to port. The band uses calypsos, cumbia, Cubano, biguine's, classic R&B and much more through the sunshine filled journey.
After a brief intro, "Ocaso Marino" is an album highlight right from the start with a deep bass groove, scorching brass and guitar lines as guest vocalist Cyrille Aimée is dynamic, singing with emotion. A more languid feel, with stout brass follows on "Just Mrs. Jones" while Drew Gonsalves vocals and trumpet from Zach Lange are the standouts during the calypso vibe of "Mad Scientist".
The Tropicales return to New Orleans for some 1950's styled R&B on a trio of tunes. "Gee Baby" bumps with rollicking piano and vocals from Mia Goldsmith, Sarah Quintana and Halloran, the smooth grooving cover of "Funny How Time Slips Away" is gorgeous with Quiana Lynell delivering the sultry vocals and "I Love To Rock & Roll" is full on rocking with drums, piano and horns as Queen Esther sings up a storm.
This band is truly at home though when they let that Caribbean vibe take control such as on the swaying "My Sorrow" which shines through Halloran's trombone. The pair of album closers, "Jiu Jitsu", which uses a head bopping groove and vocals from Chris Murray, and "Naughty Angela", ends the record with strong brass work and even better percussion.
One slight detriment is that the songs seem to have been recorded from different sessions and the transitions between sounds, styles and sonic tone can be a bit jarring at times. Hallloran could have probably cut Jump Up for multiple EP's, one focusing on New Orleans R&B or Trinidadian tunes, but as it stands, the combination still works as a very enjoyable full length offering.
This band is truly at home though when they let that Caribbean vibe take control such as on the swaying "My Sorrow" which shines through Halloran's trombone. The pair of album closers, "Jiu Jitsu", which uses a head bopping groove and vocals from Chris Murray, and "Naughty Angela", ends the record with strong brass work and even better percussion.
One slight detriment is that the songs seem to have been recorded from different sessions and the transitions between sounds, styles and sonic tone can be a bit jarring at times. Hallloran could have probably cut Jump Up for multiple EP's, one focusing on New Orleans R&B or Trinidadian tunes, but as it stands, the combination still works as a very enjoyable full length offering.
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