Had a nice breakfast visit with some friends this morning and got to talking about music. I shared how I had recently “revisited” the music of my youth, appreciating anew the “jazzy harmonies, intricate rhythms, perfect intonation, and tight ensemble” of bands like Chicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Steely Dan, and Earth, Wind & Fire. But then I lamented the fact (as it seemed to me) that those kinds of bands were gone forever.
But I stand corrected! Christian turned me on to the group, Snarky Puppy (yes, their name is a little unfortunate, but it’s all good). Actually, he raved about them…and he was right! From what I’ve heard so far, it’s more straight ahead jazz; no vocalists, no lyrics. But oh the horn section! The amazing musicianship! And the fascinating melodic/harmonic/rhythmic explorations! Extremely satisfying.
The arrangements remind me a little bit of my big band jazz days, only more…of everything — which is as it should be, forty years of development, technology, and evolution later!
I feel heartened, somehow, by the clear commitment and joy level of this group. I can’t quite explain why it makes me hopeful, but it does. Thank you, Snarky Puppy!