Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » NEEB: Take To The Sky
NEEB: Take To The Sky
ByBased in Hartlepool on England's northeast coast, the band invested two years developing and refining the album's material, a meticulous process evident in the sophisticated introductory passages on each track. Their sound centers on Weatherill's soulful vocals, layered electronic keyboards and driving rhythms, creating a warm, cinematic atmosphere that sits at the fringes of jazz, embracing retro electronica and jazz lounge sensibilities.
Two tracks feature the touch of ace percussionist Martin Ditcham, whose impressive resume spans collaborations with jazz-rock pioneers Nucleus, Talk Talk, Sade, Elton John and U2. His expertise elevates the opening title track, which begins with the sound of running water setting the scene before Rhodes piano and bass rhythms gradually emerge. Weatherill's elegant vocals float above the light synth textures, while rhythmic patterns conjure a soulful, summery atmosphere.
Ditcham's influence proves equally compelling on "Visions," where he locks into an excellent groove with Lloyd. Guest trumpeter Mark Hill (UK) weaves melodically through the rhythmic foundation, his lines intertwining with Hand's keyboard work in one of the album highlights.
Weatherill's vocals consistently hit the mark. Blessed with a versatile voice that moves easily through soul, folk and jazz intonations, she is at her most expressive singing her own lyrics on "Wasted." Her impassioned voice soars as the band is joined by Peter Casson's ebow guitar and Andy Wain's synthesizer. Joined by guest singer Max Mirza, Weatherill also excels on "Cave of Hands" amidst multiple keyboard effects.
While no single instrument dominates the mix, Hand's keyboards form the sonic foundation of the band's sound. His creative layering techniques and vintage-style synth motifs anchor the atmospheric backdrop, with only the overt vocoder on "Time is Elastic" being a retro step too far. Recorded at the band's own Mobeus Studio, the album benefits from Waite's dual role as both performer and producer. Beyond delivering compelling bass lines, his production and arrangement work ensures the sound remains polished and well-balanced throughout.
The album closes with "Brighter Day;" the song gently unfurls, delivering a smooth and uplifting finale. It is a satisfying ending to an immersive album that features striking vocals, creative rhythms, jazz influences and a chilled vibe. NEEB's fresh focus on songcraft, combined with their willingness to push boundaries, suggests exciting possibilities ahead, making their next creative move all the more anticipated.
Track Listing
Take To The Sky; The Way I Do; Cave Of Hands; Visions; All Caught Up; Time Is Elastic; Wasted; Brighter Day.
Personnel
NEEB
band / ensemble / orchestraMark Hand
keyboardsTony Waite
bassMark lLoyd
drumsJasmine Weatherill
vocalsMartin Ditcham
percussionMark Hill (UK)
trumpetAndy Wain
keyboardsPeter Casson
guitarMax Mirza
vocalsAdditional Instrumentation
Mark Hand: keyboards(1-8), Rhodes piano (1,4,5,6,8), synthesizers (1,2,3,5,7,8), congas (6); Tony Waite: bass(1-6), fretless bass (7,8), synthesizer (7), samples(1); Mark Lloyd: drums(1-8), shaker (6), congas (4,5); Jasmine Weatherill: lead vocals (1-8), backing vocals (1-6,8), acoustic guitar (3,4,8); Martin Ditcham: percussion (1,4); Max Mirza: backing vocals (3,4); Tony Hill: trumpet (4); Andy Wain: synthesizer (7); Peter Casson: ebow guitar (7).
Album information
Title: Take To The Sky | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Shy Bairn Records
Tags
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Support All About Jazz
