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| The Moore-McColl Jazz Society found the funk Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, The Moore-McColl Jazz Society, composed of Beth Moore (vocals, piano, Rhodes, organ) and Chance McColl (electric guitar, vocals), offers a refreshingly modern perspective on the 1970s jazz organ/guitar combos. Their sound invites listeners to ponder, "What if Groove Holmes duetted with Boogaloo Joe Jones with drums, upright bass, and a 3-part horn section?" This dynamic duo, who united their creative energies to compose and produce an unparalleled jazz sound, masterfully blends blues and jazz to create a genre-blurring voyage that pays homage to the past while embracing a distinctively 21st-century flair. Chance McColl reflects on the pair's genesis, "I met Beth in 2014 through a mutual friend. Later, when I heard her singing and songwriting, I couldn't believe the depth of her talent... I approached her in 2019 about writing and recording a jazz record. And here we are on our third release." The potent synergy between McColl and Moore is palpable, their shared passion for jazz and blues coursing through every note they play. Their debut album was recorded live at Atlanta's legendary 800 East Studios. The choice to unite all musicians in one room imbued the album with a vibrant energy, a texture of spontaneity and authenticity. Beth Moore fondly reminisces, "The title track, 'Electric Fantastic, ' may be my favorite track because it's got great energy, punchy horns, funky playing with attitude AND it makes you want to dance." The Moore-McColl Jazz Society made a mark with Electric Fantastic, carving out an hour-long narrative of friendship, musicianship, and homage to classic jazz and blues, amplified by some of Atlanta's finest talent. Their journey didn't stop there, though. After a 2021 Christmas EP, they are now following-up with Up and Gone, a full-length album soaked in '70s funk influences and narrated by the collaborative voice of McColl and Moore. Building on the foundations laid by Electric Fantastic, this new album is an audacious exploration of the duo's evolving sound, revealing their refined songwriting partnership and a continued dedication to their musical craft. Swaying onto the scene with the smoothness of an after-hours jam, The Moore-McColl Jazz Society presents their latest album, Up and Gone. Drenched in '70s funk influences and graced by the strong collaborative voice of Chance McColl and Beth Moore, the album carves its own unique niche in the modern jazz landscape. McColl explains, "We recorded with Joey Jones at Aria like we did for the first two records but brought in Tom Tapley, an Atlanta legend, to help produce and mix the record. I had previously worked with Tom with The Pinx. Even though Tom comes more from the rock (and country) world, he's a student of all musical styles. He's as adept at recording a B-3 or a Rhodes or mixing horns as he is at recording layers of heavy, drop-tuned guitars. What I've always loved about Tom is he knows what sounds right, he knows how to capture your vision, translating it from words and ideas to sounds in stereo." McColl, ever the dynamic and introspective artist, notes, "When Beth and I were writing this record, we realized it had much more of a '70s funk element to it than our first record... We wrote this record together. This gives the record a new voice." This unity of purpose is palpable, felt in the record's tight rhythms and balanced harmonies. The opening track, "What's Still Happening!!, " is a salute to the '70s, a decade often seen as the zenith of jazz fusion. It's followed by "Somebody Calling, " a cover of Robin Trower's song, showcasing the band's willingness to venture beyond their comfort zone with overdubbed guitars, a Univibe, and even a talkbox! The title track, "Up and Gone, " instantly transports listeners to the cinematic world of a '70s cop show, complete with gritty B-3 organ tones, and a standout trumpet solo by Caleb Lattimore. McColl says, "Joey Jones added phaser to the guitar track to really date it to that decade." And the journey doesn't stop there. "Sunlit Flower (Against the Sky)" offers a stripped-down, intimate acoustic moment, revealing the duo's ability to touch hearts with simplicity. "Back to Atlanta" is a soulful homage to McColl's hometown. He explains, "The title refers to me moving back from the outer suburbs to Atlanta proper. It reflects the love I've had for Atlanta my whole life. I've lived elsewhere (Boulder, Seattle), but Atlanta is always home. Probably the most straightforward jazz track on the album." The album further graces the listeners with tributes, like "A Song for Vince, " a nod to the legendary Vince Guaraldi, and ample solo space given to the band's talented players, such as the astounding Randy Hunter on saxophone and Justin Powell on trumpet in "Sojourn in A Minor." "No Apology" brings the groove to a tantalizing conclusion, pairing a funky riff with a gritty, soulful vocal. In McColl's words, "Wah wah on a jazz record? Sorry/not sorry!" Indeed, there's nothing to apologize for here; Up and Gone is a feast for jazz fans, a testament to the enduring allure of the genre. The Moore-McColl Jazz Society has once again proven their musical mettle, delivering an album that pays homage to the past while carving out its own distinctive identity in the present. Up and Gone is not just another jazz album; it's a sonic exploration, an auditory love letter to a bygone era, and a reaffirmation of the endless possibilities that jazz continues to offer our society. TRACKS, TIMES, COMPOSER: 1. What's Still Happening!! 5:17 2. Somebody Calling* 7:54 3. Up and Gone 5:37 4. Sunlit Flower (Against the Sky) 4:07 5. Back to Atlanta 7:54 6. A Song for Vince 3:28 7. Sojourn in A Minor 6:32 8. No Apology 4:39 All songs written by Chance McColl and Beth Moore except "Somebody Calling, " written by Robin Trower and James Dewar. PLAYERS, INSTRUMENT: Beth Moore: vocals, keys, Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3 organ Chance McColl: electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals Tim Aucoin: acoustic, electric bass Joel Morris: drums, percussion Randy Hunter: alto saxophone Caleb Lattimore: trumpet Justin Powell: trumpet Declan Ward: alto saxophone write your comments about the article :: © 2023 Jazz News :: home page |