Nu Jazz ? Nu-Soul ? Nu-Whatever ? Who Cares !
Kinny (nee Caitlin Simpson) is more than worth at least an
hour or so of our time because she's good. Very good in fact.
'Idle Forest Of Chit Chat' is a strange but classy little album.
The multiple collaborations make for an highly varied musical treat.
The one constant throughout is the voice and by golly this is a fine voice.
Jazzy ? - Yes. Soulful ? - Yes. Whatever ? - Never !
Sometimes it's a little crinkled round the edges particularly in a weak lo-fi
number like 'Water For Chocolate' (not helped by a very badly tuned guitar)
but for the most part it soars and shines.
'Afro Love Forest' , 'Damn' and 'Enough Said' are all good examples
of what she is capable when she throws herself into a good song.
The 11 tracks are a curious collection and the album sounds as though it was
recorded on a very small budget in a portacabin but it somehow transcends
its limitations through doughty good humour and bags of enthusiam.
The horn arrangement on 'Back Street Lust' is an absolute hoot.
The band are rough and ready, the vocal performance is down and dirty.
Warts and all I love it !
Final track 'Petrified Dazed' does the business too (just try to ignore
the awful pianist !)
The album is a marginal curiosity and I recommend it cautiously but if you're prepared
to take the plunge you may well, like me, find something a little special in it too.
At your own risk.