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Simians Of Swing: Simians Of Swing
ByBop-inspired trumpeter Andy Davies (the mafioso) and bassist Lorenzo Bassignani (the solo chess master) lead the Simians, a band name that reflects Davies' nickname of "Monkey" (unless that's also part of the legend). The pair also take their inspiration from comic bookseach track on Simians Of Swing matches a comic strip from Spanish artist Valentin Ramon. The core band is completed by guitarist Luca Boscagin and drummer Saleem Raman and a bunch of guest performers augment the sound, with no less than three guests on Fender Rhodes.
"Boppy" is just that, a cheerful, boppy number from Davies. It features a memorable trumpet riff allied to Raman's swinging drums leading into solos from Davies, Fender Rhodes player Benet McLean and guitarist Boscagin underpinned by more aggressive drums and electric bass. "Vampires In The Attic"another Davies compositionis more fluid than "Boppy" but just as cheery. "Zion" closes the album in a similar vein, a fast-tempo tune with Davies' cascades of notes and McLean's Rhodes at its heart.
Polly Gibbons sings on the noir-ish "Gangster In Love" and the more soulful "St Lucia," two songs that swap the good cheer of the opening duo for a more downbeat worldview. This more melancholy side of the Simians of Swing continues with the mournful "Walt" and the elegiac "Soviet Supreme," a quartet performance recorded live at London's Vortex club, showcasing Boscagin's guitar solo. Slow or fast, upbeat or downcast, the Simians of Swing is an impressive and enjoyable outfit and this self-titled debut is a welcome entry into the band's comic-book inspired music.
Track Listing
Boppy; Vampires In The Attic; Conclave Act III; Gangster In Love; Statalism; Walt; St Lucia; Soviet Supreme; Freddie Brek; Aisa; Zion.
Personnel
Simians Of Swing
band / ensemble / orchestraAndy Davies: trumpet; Luca Boscagin: guitar; Lorenzo Bassignani: bass; Sallem Raman: drums; Ant Law: guitar (4, 7); Sam Leak: Fender Rhodes (2, 3); Benet McLean: Fender Rhodes (1, 5, 10, 11); Ivo Neame: Fender Rhodes, synthesizers (4, 7, 9); Polly Gibbons: vocals (4, 7).
Album information
Title: Simians Of Swing | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Coffee and apple Records
Comments
About Simians Of Swing
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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