There has always been something really exciting about Jazz coming out of the UK that seems to tickle our ears in the just the right way so when something new and fresh comes across our plate, we’re ready to dive in which is the case with the latest single by The Jazz Defenders. “The Big man” b/w “Love’s Vestige” is a cool double-sider appropriate for all occasions and recently lead the way as the opening of my most recent podcast episode which really set the tone for the rest of the show and “The Big Man” being one that I’m hoping to play loud for the dance floor at an upcoming club gig.
“The Big Man” is a bold and brassy dancefloor jazz gem that would fit neatly onto any Lp from 1966 by the Jazz Defenders’ musical heroes…Lalo Schifrin, Blue Mitchell, Lou Donaldson, Donald Byrd. Fifty years ago this would be called “Soul Jazz”. Twenty-five years ago, this would have been classed as “Acid Jazz”. Today, whatever you want to call it, it’s just great upbeat feel-good music with a toe-tapping beat. Something we all need right now.
The B-side of the single is “Love’s vestige” a grooving mid-60’s style soul jazz number with a Latin beat and cinematic overtones that conjures up images of mini-skirted ladies, sharp-suited dudes in shades, Vespa scooters, go-go clubs and cappuccino coffee bars. A short sharp and snappy tune…the perfect “Mod Jazz” combination.