The highest praise that can be heaped on the stellar new self-titled recording by Hearts of Darkness is that the document successfully captures much of the excitement of the eighteen-piece band's live performances. The album crackles with energy.
By the time I was born the heyday of Kansas City jazz was already decades past. As I noted in 2009, however, using roughly the same instrumentation as the legendary jazz bands of the '20s and '30s Hearts of Darkness evoke the vitality of that era. While a few local musicians specialize in a throwback style, their work is inevitably imbued with a sense of nostalgia. Loosely rooted in the afrobeat sound of Fela, Hearts of Darkness recall the lively sensibility of Benny Moten while crafting a completely contemporary approach.
A free download of "Step First Look Last" is available here. The entire album will be available for purchase at the band's July 10 gig at Crosstown Station .
(Original image by Plastic Sax.)
KCUR's KC Currents did a story on Hearts of Darkness this week. It's online here.
ReplyDeleteIn the story, they talk to some music reviewer named Bill Brownlee. Ever heard of him?
I haven't heard it. I can't bear to listen to that guy's stuttering and stammering.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your support and the nice writeup!
ReplyDeleteTim Finn conducted an insightful interview with Hearts of Darkness. Read it here.
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