Maximilian Turnbull, the frontman for Toronto’s Badge Époque Ensemble, describes their new album, Self Help, as “combining jazz-funk and mysticism.” I don’t think I can describe it better than that.
“Sing a Silent Gospel” starts off the album with something like a Steely Dan tune with its great saxophone work by Karen Ng and bright keyboards from Turnbull. “Unity (It’s Up to You)” is a funky jam with neat vocal harmonies backed by Jay Anderson‘s tight drumming any hip hop DJ would envy. “The Sound Where My Head Was” has a neat 1970s sound to it with Turnbull’s keys and Giosuè Rosati‘s putting down a retro groove.
A lovely flute solo starts “Just Space for Light” and then it melts into a beautiful song about embracing love and light – and more great flute solos from Alia O’Brien. “Birds Fly through Ancient Ruins” is almost eleven minutes of psychedelic jazz that is suitable for meditation, yoga, creating any kind of art, or even belly dancing as Chris Bezant plays dusty western guitar and Ed Squires‘ hand percussion lulls you into a trance. Ng’s sax solo is like something you’d hear in the distance while you find yourself trapped in a film noir.
Turnbull’s smooth piano carries us through the closer, “Extinct Commune,” with hopeful chords to uplift you and give you some of that self-help mentioned in the album’s title.
Self Help is indeed a good title for this album, as that jazz-funk / mysticism combination does you well. It helps you shake cobwebs out of your head and refocus. We all need that this year.
Keep your mind open.
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[Thanks to Jessica at Pitch Perfect PR.]
