'Crystal' finds (Constanze) Friend 'n (Thomas) Fellow mixing it all up big style; yes, it's blues tinged and there's no doubting that it's soulful, but it also comes with distinctly jazzy undertones (or should that be overtones?).
Play 90 second soundbite of 'Crystal' @ 'CD quality'
'Crystal' finds (Constanze) Friend 'n (Thomas) Fellow mixing it all up big style; yes, it's blues tinged and there's no doubting that it's soulful, but it also comes with distinctly jazzy undertones (or should that be overtones?).
'Crystal' is a slick piece of work - now aint that the truth! It's soothing and relaxing but cleverly intriguing without ever over-taxing the braincells. The dusky voice of Friend reminds me of a jazzed up and silky Joan Armatrading. Fellow's guitar work is classy, clean and extremely supportive rather than brash and bold. On the whole the arrangements are kept fairly simplistic, but there are a few surprises here and there - like the beautiful, no stunning, almost juxtaposed choral voices (Deaf In One Ear Gospel Brothers) dotted through the brilliant 'Beauty Queen' that instantly made me think of a bassy Antony & The Johnsons - and there's tasty and atmospheric cello work (Chrisoph Schenker) on 'Tomorrow'. But mainly its just Friend 'N Fellow - with, dare I suggest, their own take on 'proper' music - nu-jazz, nu-soul, nu-blues - who knows, it matters not what it sets out to be - it is what it is - excellent!.
'Crystal' is sheer class. It's almost a work for the purist. One to be admired and enjoyed, perhaps with a glass of something tasty but expensive. Different, fresh and pretty damn chilled!
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