Rating: ****
It's been a minute! Now Hear This is back with a super review of a group from New Orleans called /fyo͞oɡ/! That's right it's /fyo͞oɡ/. Undoubtedly the most annoying band name I've ever had to write for a review but here we are.
Sam Tepper (Keyboards and Harmonica) and Katarina Boudreaux (Vocals) make up the band that is known for Jazz and Blues originals with some covers mixed in there for good measure. I like a good jazz group, so I'm stoked to see what /fyo͞oɡ/ bring to the table.
I'm gonna listen to this while I make the long journey from Sacramento to the South Bay. I'll make notes and report back. Until then, you should check out a sample track. I'll have my full report right after that.
Listen to "Better" on Youtube below:
We start with "Better" and it's a really strong traditional vocal jazz track and makes sense as the opening track for the album. It's well-played and well-sung and seemingly gives a good idea to what the rest of the album might sound like. "Black is the Color of my True Love's Hair" is much much much darker and in my opinion, might have been better served somewhere more in the middle of the tracklisting. Solid, but it does display a pretty abrupt mood swing. "St. Louis Blues" is more of a traditional blue track. I like it. It's moody and sultry and more than anything, it's fun. "Gotcha Child" is slow tempo and melancholy and quite gorgeous. "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" is a cover of one of my mother's favorite songs of all time. I think she'd really dig this version. "Nibble" is jazzy and wild and seems like it ends way too fast before we groove right into "Blues After Hours" which in my opinion, is the best blues track on the album. Perfect in every way. The album ends with "T'aint Nobody's Business" which has my favorite piano piece on the record. It's a fantastic ending to an LP that has quite a few fantastic moments.
For the most part, this album rings all the bells that jazz and blues fans are looking for. Incredible musicianship with tremendous vocals. Don't get me wrong, it's not without its slow spots, but overall it's excellent. I highly recommend it.