Info for Good Times (Remixed, Remastered 2023 + Bonus Tracks)
Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion is a six piece band which contains members who have worked with the likes of Nina Simone, Van Morrison, Paul McCartney and more. Described as "a contemporary six piece blues band" in the press release I was expecting some fairly traditional blues, but this album is far more than just plain Blues music - there's a really strong Jazz feel to it as well. This meeting of Jazz and Blues means that what you get here is really interesting and very enjoyable music to listen to.
The album contains 14 tracks with roughly half being original songs and the others being cover versions of songs from Billie Holiday, Willie Dixon and more. The music here is excellent - there's some superb guitar work, and some fantastic Hammond Organ - an instrument that has such as distinctive sound. Great music though is no use unless the vocals are good, but there are certainly no worries there - Zoe Schwarz has an amazing voice - think Shirley Bassey, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone combined.
The songs are quicker paced and more uptempo than you'd expect from blues, but Zoe's voice really keeps this album firmly rooted in the Blues camp.
"As an artist, instinctively releasing old material generates the thought “but that was then, I play, sing, or write songs much better now”. A good 10 plus years has passed since this session! If I was to separate myself from it personally, I believe I can hear a fantastic energy, high-quality musicians playing together ‘live in the studio’ with a definite collective idea! Something that has all the ingredients to grow and evolve over time, it’s up to the listener to decide if we’ve proven that point. I was never satisfied with the initial mix, and this anniversary landmark presented the opportunity to re-present our first album with a straightforward, honest and rootsy re-mix. As a counterbalance I’ve added three much more recent bonus tracks, a sort of then and now reference. I hope you enjoy the music.” (Rob Koral)
Zoë Schwarz, vocals
Si Genaro, harmonica & backing vocals
Rob Koral, guitar
Pete Whittaker, Hammond organ
Rodney Teague, bass
Paul Robinson, drums & percussion
Ian Ellis, tenor saxophone
Andy Urquhart, trumpet (tracks 2, 3, 10, 12)
Eddie John, drums (track 14)
Recorded at Knighton Heath Studios, Bournemouth on 19th-21st December 2011
Engineered by Dave Thomas
Mixed and mastered by Mike Hallett at mikey.studio
Digitally remastered
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