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Troy Roberts: NU-JIVE: Nations United
ByNU-JIVE: Nations United speaks to the 'universality' of musica reflection of the fact that the members came from all corners of the globe and bonded through the language of music.
"Funkafarian" is the opening selection which develops a deep groove. The melody is wonderfully performed and shows Roberts' crafty compositional skills. The bridge switches to a reggae feel for added interest and a change in feel. Roberts' tone on the tenor saxophone is big, warm, and filled with joy. His rhythmic command during his solo is outstanding as his melodic ideas jump with articulated precision. Eric England's bass and David Chiverton's drums are encouraging to the soloist and deep with feeling. Tim Jago's guitar adds percussive color and harmonic colors. Silvano Monasterios' keyboard solo is soulful and has imaginative harmonic colors. Roberts is adept at playing and composing in many styles that the jazz genre offers, and his approach is imbued with combustion and dexterity.
"Sobrino" is a Roberts composition for bassist England as the song title is a nickname affectionately given to the bassist by some of the music scene's older members. Suffused with synth swells and a clever 5/4 time signature, England takes the lead with his bass running through a Moog-esque pedalboard for a rich effect. The ensemble are patient in their development of the groove and work together to create an expressive and brilliant ambiance.
Roberts abounds with ideas. The diversity of his music speaks to the brimming of those ideals in musical taste. His compositions speak to his creativity and, in the hands of his band of compadres, NU-JIVE, the music is permeated with plenty of modernity and groove-based delectable treats.
Track Listing
Funkafarian; Tribes & Tribulations; Mind Melder; Linger; Big Night In; Sobrino; Big Daddy Ghetto-Rig; Five Nations; Hypnagogia; Dreamstation.
Personnel
Troy Roberts
saxophoneTim Jago
guitarSilvano Monasterios
pianoEric England
bass, electricDavid Chiverton
drumsAlbum information
Title: NU-JIVE: Nations United | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Toy Robot Music
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Troy Roberts
Album Review
Geannine Reid
NU-JIVE: Nations United
Self Produced
Joey DeFrancesco
Van Morrison
Jeff' Tain' Watts
Eric England
David Chiverton
Tim Jago
Silvano Monasterios