Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion
Chameleon
33 Records
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This sixth studio album, Chameleon (33
Records), from UK’s Zoe Schwarz Blue
Commotion comprises 12 original and diverse
tracks and continues the band’s inexorable
trajectory to the top. It comes after nearly a
decade of building a loyal fan base, touring
extensively and writing and recording songs of
increasingly sublime, melodic and technical
virtuosity.
“Life Goes On” is a jaunty, catchy opener, Zoe’s
voice sounding like no one other than Zoe
Schwarz such is her unique formula of classical,
jazz, blues and every other genre she has
absorbed into her heart and creative
imagination. The brass section is unleashed on
the heavy riff-laden “Better Days,” the
chanteuse’s powerful, evocative voice leading
its explosive crescendos with dramatic
intensity. The intriguing, poetic lyrics catch
the attention they deserve: “All at sea,
hopelessly adrift, and desperately waiting for
the tides to shift, waiting for you to send me a
sign, cast adrift no land’s in sight. I remember
better days.”
The
jazz-infused guitar and fluent Hammond
interludes on “If Only I Could Be With You”
complement the lead singer’s impeccable vocal
range and timing. The absence of a bass guitar
in the line up gives dexterous keyboard player
Pete Whittaker the space to create a distinctive
style which he achieves with aplomb, the fills
and solos at times reminiscent of The Doors’
legendary Ray Manzarek.
Starting with a whisper on “Hello My Old
Friend,” Zoe stretches her vocal chords to the
limit as the mood changes dramatically during
the song. By contrast, the up-tempo “Give Me The
Key to Your Heart” bounces along nicely courtesy
of Rob Koral’s dazzling guitar work. Rob has
established himself as a major player on the UK
blues scene, his magnificent axe work featuring
strongly throughout the album. Zoe’s voice soars
gracefully above the intricate, tasteful guitar
and keys on the balladic “I’ll Be Here For You.”
Reggae syncopations are to the fore on “I Hope I
See The Day” and add further variety to the
eclectic mix.
The
deep well of blues tradition is never far from
the surface so “When The Blues Come A Knocking”,
Rob’s searing guitar shares center stage with
Zoe’s edgy lyrical delivery. “Amazon Woman” is
the ultimate road warrior song for the ‘super
hero’ at the center of this apocalyptic
maelstrom, Pete Whittaker’s swirling Hammond,
Rob’s slash and burn axe and Paul Robinson’s
dynamic, pulsating percussion generating the
pyrotechnics.
“I
Cry Just To Think Of It” is a tribute to the
magnificent arrangements which permeate the CD,
Patrick Hayes’ trombone and the tenor sax of Ian
Ellis in perfect synchronization with the rest
of the band driving towards its climactic
finale. Chameleon is the best word to describe
“Tell Me,” Zoe’s voice now possessing an almost
child-like quality before changing to the coolly
sensual tones of “Come And Lay With Me” with its
calming, atmospheric background keys.
Just
when the listener thinks it’s all over, a bonus
track, or rather a piece de resistance, emerges
from the ether which is so beautiful and
inspirational it takes the breath away. Zoe is
singing “Lover Man” and sounding uncannily like
Billie Holiday in the 1940s. The manipulation of
the phrasing and tempo, the timbre, the vibe and
the improvisational skills could be straight out
of Lady Sings The Blues.
Chameleon is an empowering, exhilarating,
groundbreaking album which pushes and at times
re-draws the blues boundaries whilst staying
mainly within its conventions. When the award is
handed out for the best blues recording of 2020,
embracing innovation, passion, musicality,
lyrical intelligence and vocal supremacy, Zoe
Schwarz Blue Commotion must surely be a strong
contender.
--- Dave Scott