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Matthew Ruddick

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Author of Funny Valentine, an acclaimed new biography of the jazz trumpet player and singer, Chet Baker.
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Saturday, 05 November 2022 04:10

Joe Webb - Summer Chill

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Chilled summer vibes from Welsh pianist.

Over the summer, I spent a few months back at home, as I moved back to the UK and prepared for my final year of university. I’ve discovered a strong correlation between being at home and watching an excessive amount of television. Consequently, Joe Webb’s Summer Chill had been echoing around my childhood bedroom for a grand total of 30 seconds, before my dad popped his head in and asked what film I was watching now.

In fairness, it was quite a fitting question, as the album has been described as a soundtrack to a 1960s pool party and released on the Ubuntu label, whose tagline commits to enabling accessible Jazz. Summer Chill is undoubtedly an easy listen – light, fun and nostalgic. Tracks from the 1950s and 1960s have been taken and remastered by Webb alongside guitarist Alex Haines, bassist Will Sach, drummer Jas Kayser, percussionist João Caeteno, and saxophonist Fraser Smith.

If it is a soundtrack, then Yeah Yeah feels very much like the scene where everyone is happy, but in an exciting and optimistic kind of way. It is upbeat, dynamic, and fun to listen to. Single Tweedle Dee offers a nod to the rock genre, with strong bass that compels you to move along.

There is a risk with taking iconic tracks like Can’t Help Falling in Love With You and putting your own stamp on it. Webb stays close to the original and the result is sweet and simple, as it should be. It is an exercise in control and restraint, with just enough complex elaboration to make it interesting.

 

Watch Joe Webb perform Can't Help Falling In Love With You here:

 

Listening to Summer Chill is easy and comfortable. It evokes feelings of nostalgia for the warm glow of summer. With a 60s-inspired pop jazz theme, it offers a lively and entertaining listen, with excellent playing by Webb and his group.  

Read 663 times Last modified on Saturday, 05 November 2022 12:24

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