Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Zoöphyte: Galapagos
Zoöphyte: Galapagos
ByEleven originals are roughly split between instrumentals and vocal numbers, with groove and melody the blood in Zoophyte's veins. Singer Peter Jones' warm yet mellow tenor is central to Zoophyte's light 'n' breezy aesthetic, notably on the radio-friendly "Working Hours" and "Let's Get Out Of The City," while smart horn arrangements allow trumpeter Graeme Flowers, tenor saxophonist/flautist Vasilis Xenopoulos and trombonist Tim Smart to shine. Pick of the horn-driven numbers are "Edwin's Mood," a bouncing feel-good anthem that features a fine turn from guitarist Rob Luft, and the brushes-steered ballad "Wait Until Dark."
Lyrically, maritime imagery abounds, with chief song-writers Jones and Trevor Lever evoking a little of Caravan's English whimsy on "Not What," a fantastical adventure to an underwater world. Elsewhere, the lyrics tackle more concrete themes such as work-life balance and recognising inner strength. Zoophyte may offer terrific escapism, but its music is also socially conscious. Solos short-and-sweet pepper the tunes, while bassist Dave Jones, drummer Sophie Alloway and keyboardist Ross Stanley provide vibrant, multi-hued rhythms that waste no time in burrowing their way under one's skin.
A buoyant soundtrack to sun-filled days of romance and adventure, Galapagos flies the flag for smart pop and accessible jazz. Stylish crossover music that is both sophisticated and fun.
Track Listing
Edwin’s Mood; Working Hours; Wait Until Dark; Let’s Get Out Of The City; If You Have Gold; St. Dude; Open Book; Encircled by Seal; How You Stayed Alive; Amphibious; Not What.
Personnel
Peter Jones
vocalsAdditional Instrumentation
Sophie Allowsy: drums; Clara Bing: backing vocals; Graeme Flowers: trumpet; Will Fry: percussion; Dave Jones: bass; Rob Luft: guitar; Tim Smart: trombone; Ross Stanley: keys; Vasilis Xenopoulos: tenor saxophone, flute.
Album information
Title: Galapagos | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Howlin' Werewolf
< Previous
The Color of Jazz: Part 1
Next >
The Best of Basie