Here we have the debut album from jazz quintet Bowmanville, who comprise Ethan Adelsman (violin), Graham Nelson (vocals, harmonica), Mason Jiller (guitar) and Noah Plotkin (drums) along with bassists Oliver Horton and Ethan Philion who play on different tracks. Any press release which references Django Reinhardt’s Quintette du Hot Club de France is always going to lay itself open to huge shouts of dismay unless the music can actually back it up, and here there are some moments when it just might. Adelsman has obviously been inspired by Grapelli and it is often he who is taking the melodic lead (although both harmonica and guitar also have their share), on what is primarily an instrumental album which swings from beginning to end.

They liberally sprinkle covers throughout the album and for me these are the weak spots, just because songs like “Fly Me To The Moon” and “Georgia” are so well known and during these the band almost appear to be marking time ready for the solo or for the next song to come along, and I personally would have preferred for the album to be solely original material. Mind you, it must be said that Nelson really does evoke the singers of the classic big band era and never overstays his welcome. There is a lot going on here, with some wonderful drumming which really sets the mood for music which has been inspired by the rhythms of South America to really groove, yet I do get the impression it could have been much more. It will be interesting to see what the next album brings.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
http://bowmanvilleswing.com/