cover courtesy of chrisboernermusic.com
What do you think of when you think of Jazz? Just thinking of the word can take you into a variety of possibilities. There are really very few constraints to the genre. Even with it’s long history, jazz is arguably still in its infancy with lots of room for innovation and exploration.
Featuring the talent of Chris Boerner on an eight string guitar, Matt Douglas on woodwinds, and Nick Baglio on drums and piano, The Hot at Nights is difficult to lock into one specific sub genre because their sound incorporates some of the basic elements of jazz, but lends itself to that innovation and exploration.
Released on July 12, 2011, The Hot at Nights’ new release, Nice Talk, is telling a story, (quite an intriguing one, actually) to anyone who will listen. The album plays out like a symphony with movements that are designed to take you through a series of experiences. One of the greatest rewards to the listener is the way that the music can move you in so many ways without the need to make that your primary intention.
While Nice Talk is definitely modern in its tone and production value, it is reflective of pioneers like Miles Davis (“Miles Runs the Voodoo Down” on Bitches Brew). It is also reminiscent of the instrumentals of jazz influenced English rock band, Soft Machine (“Kings and Queens” on Fourth).
The album starts off mysterious sounds that give off the vibe of entering planetary orbit before easing into an undeniable groove. It’s definitely a little quirky, and it might take you a little off guard the first time you hear it, but it definitely sets the tone and the rest of the album. As you listen to “C’mon Feel the Illinoise” you’ll find that you’ll be taken through a variety of delicate emotions and transitions that have been carefully woven together. You may not even realize that you’ve slowly been ascending to the stars the whole time!
There are some exceptionally exciting moments in “Liquid White Chocolate”. The song has a great vibe, which is sure to get you moving. This is the beginning of a few more solos, jams, and individual instrumentation that feel a little more freeing with less structure.
“Sunday Afternoon Lute Suite” is definitely a total breakdown. Without question, the listener is being set up for the sense of mystery that “Steppin Out” provides, which almost sounds like superhero theme music at some point. This track really encourages you to look deeper than just simple melody.
“AC Slater” is also an attention getter. You’re bound to smile at the intro, and you will feel the undeniable urge to tap your foot and move your head to this dance-trance. Go with this feeling!
The only way to really describe “C’mon Francis” is “exotic”. You’re not mistaken if you feel the return to a familiar melody. There’s a reprise of parts of “Abandon Debit”. This is a unique and inviting return that is not very common in popular music genres. While the melody will feel familiar, it is not a note for note repetition of something you’ve previously heard, and there’s a lot of personality shining through here that has a much stronger impact this go around.
The last three tracks of the album will really clue you in to the very classical feel of the album, and how the album plays like a symphony with its movements. Things start to slow down a bit to a softer, gentler, more relaxed position in “CisforKadaffi”, where you will be brought back down to earth before a rendition of Radiohead’s “House of Cards” tucks you back into bed and pulls the covers over you.
At the end of it all, Nice Talk is a lot like listening to an out of body experience you may once have had in various layers of the higher stratosphere. Repeated listening will yield something new every time. The Hot at Nights’ freshman release creates a warm and inviting space that makes it ideal for the casual and analytical listener. You can really dig in to the content, or just let it wash over you as you enjoy an afternoon drive. So, take your car or spaceship for a spin with Nice Talk in your music player. You won’t be disappointed.
