Kelvin Roy: Just Can (2003)

JAVIER AQ ORTIZ,

Javier AQ Ortiz

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2001

JAQO's bohemian life eventually led to jazz...

Recent articles (191 total)

Published: September 25, 2003

Quick and to the Point : Smooth jazz vocal coolness.

This production ranges from the riff-like monogroove of “You Caught My Eye” to the infectiously accordion grooviness of “Let Your Love Out.” Of course, there will be melodically funky pieces such as “Sorta Like You Know,” which unfortunately quits when its getting heated ‘nuff. “It’s All a Dream” and “Whatcha Gonna Do” are rock. “Goin’ Troppo” begs for expansion into a big band chart.

Vocalist/instrumentalist Kelvin Roy and company cover much ground ideally suited for smooth jazz audiences. They partake of that élan and ably so.

Unless one is an anti-smooth jazz cynic, however, this album is a musical Big Kids Meal with toy included. Don’t look for Basque nouvelle cuisine, which has dethroned the French from their culinary edge in gastronomical vanguards. Then again, how many people can afford to pay hundreds of dollars for a meal? Roy’s compositions are a light on the go type of music, with simple, effective melodic and harmonic structures, hooky lyrics and various thematic and textural colors. In reggae-blues-funk piece “I’ve Been Around,” for example, vocalist Sandy Mill does it good with hints of veteran nastiness, while the longing anguish of expression is given free reign in the steady celebratory beat.

This music comes from musicians well-adjusted to their labor market in New Zealand, where they can jam up a corporate function, cool off a rowdy bar or just simply have a cool and smooth good time.

Visit Kelvin Roy on the web.

Track Listing: 1. You Caught My Eye 2. Take a Little Time 3. I

Personnel: Nigel Gavin: Guitars & Effects. Sam Giles: Electric Bass. Hershal: Accordion. Dave Lines: Keyboards. Sandy Mill: Lead & Background Vocals. Jason Orme: Acoustic & Electric Drums. Kelvin Roy: Lead & Background Vocals, Bass Trumpet, Percussion, & Programming. Chris Watts: Tenor Saxophone.

Record Label: Martian Music
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream