A neat concept – TM Juke teams up with The Jack Baker Trio (who is, rather confusingly, just one person), a master percussionist, to explore and pay tribute to the rhythms and sounds of the various Americas. 80’s New York, go-go, hip-hop, funk, soul & R&B via Memphis & New Orleans, right through to Brazilian sambas and latin workouts. All original material, it’s obvious that it’s been performed in one take, live (no samplers!), giving it a lovely rough hue and energy that you normally associate with live carnival material. Contributions come from Alice Russell, Kathrin deBoer (Bellaruche) and Andreya Triana. Like Quality Street, everyone’s bound to have their own favourite flavour, but check ‘Heads High(er)’ or ‘Fortune Favours The Bold’ for starters. Great stuff.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Darren Wall