THREEBOP - A Sleepin' Bee
Self Release - Available from Bandcamp
Ella Hohnen-Ford, Rosina Bullen, Luca Manning (vocals); David Swan (piano); Will Sach (bass); Boz Martin-Jones (drums)
This is the debut recording of three of the finest young vocalists in the UK who are all individually destined for a bright future, but collectively as Threebop have shown great skill and in the arrangements and performance on this six track EP, with the overriding and most discernible point of reference being their love for the jazz tradition.
The material and inspiration for the EP are drawn from the classic album, Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley released in 1962, and to this end the three have arranged six compositions from the orignal recording and brought them to life in a very refreshing way. From the blending of the voices on 'The Masquerade Is Over' it is evident that there is something happening here. There is a real connection with the material, and the way in which vocal trio deliver is quite remarkable. No egos or jockeying for position, even when once voice comes forward to state a melody or deliver a lyric it is always at the service of the group as a whole. The EP is packed with such delights that seem to creep up on you as you are listening, raising a smile and ensuring you stop to listen with your full attention should you miss any more of these wonderful moments. From the gentle swing of the title track, and the more insistent and infectious urgency of 'Happy Talk', and the tender 'Save Your Love For Me' there is so much to enjoy.
All three young musicians are currently continuing their studies, with Rosina Bullen taking her Masters degree at the Manhattan School of Music, and dividing her time between New York and London; and Ella Hohnen-Ford is on the Undergraduate course at the Royal Academy of Music as well as working with her own band, Treeclimbers. Luca Manning is the name I am most familiar with, having recently reviewed his excellent debut album, 'When The Sun Comes Out', but on the strength of this recording I will be eagerly following the career of each of the incredible talents.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Self Release - Available from Bandcamp
Ella Hohnen-Ford, Rosina Bullen, Luca Manning (vocals); David Swan (piano); Will Sach (bass); Boz Martin-Jones (drums)
This is the debut recording of three of the finest young vocalists in the UK who are all individually destined for a bright future, but collectively as Threebop have shown great skill and in the arrangements and performance on this six track EP, with the overriding and most discernible point of reference being their love for the jazz tradition.
The material and inspiration for the EP are drawn from the classic album, Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley released in 1962, and to this end the three have arranged six compositions from the orignal recording and brought them to life in a very refreshing way. From the blending of the voices on 'The Masquerade Is Over' it is evident that there is something happening here. There is a real connection with the material, and the way in which vocal trio deliver is quite remarkable. No egos or jockeying for position, even when once voice comes forward to state a melody or deliver a lyric it is always at the service of the group as a whole. The EP is packed with such delights that seem to creep up on you as you are listening, raising a smile and ensuring you stop to listen with your full attention should you miss any more of these wonderful moments. From the gentle swing of the title track, and the more insistent and infectious urgency of 'Happy Talk', and the tender 'Save Your Love For Me' there is so much to enjoy.
All three young musicians are currently continuing their studies, with Rosina Bullen taking her Masters degree at the Manhattan School of Music, and dividing her time between New York and London; and Ella Hohnen-Ford is on the Undergraduate course at the Royal Academy of Music as well as working with her own band, Treeclimbers. Luca Manning is the name I am most familiar with, having recently reviewed his excellent debut album, 'When The Sun Comes Out', but on the strength of this recording I will be eagerly following the career of each of the incredible talents.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
