Probably … when I say soul music in Germany, some of you JazzandSoulers will certainly knit their brows. However … soul music lives in Germany. Just think about TokTokTok (a fantastic German soul duo), Brenda Boykin (who operates out of Germany), etc. Another marvelous release to head our way is the latest work by Jeff Cascaro. His album, Mother and Brother features 11 tracks combining some classic covers and Jeff’s personal work, and I have to state that this concept Works just fine. Of course, the cover versions of John Paul Young’s, Love is in the Air, B.B.’s Help the Poor or Genesis’ Follow you, follow Me received a ‘Cascaro’ interpretation. Jeff’s restyles though honour the originals and even decorate them with a classy contemporary make over. As a professor in jazz singing, Jeff’s pipes breathe soul. Warm, compelling and often reminding me of the sound and timbre of the late Luke Walter Jr. Opening track, I feel Fine, immediately hits the bulls eye. A classy composition, uplifting, soulful horns and overall a high ‘Steely Dan’ grade. Jeff’s own compositions float between uptempo cuts and ‘blue – eyed’ soul jams. Tender and uncomplicated in Anyway and Little Flower, a touch of funk, drifting on a stirring baseline and horn breaks in The lady’s not Amused and Try. Again, picking top tracks on Mother and Brother is very difficult. Personally, I instantly fell in love with the pureness and beauty of When she sings to Me (fantastic flugelhorn solo in the middle part) and Ella (honouring Ella Fitzgerald and built around a superb chorus line). Overall, Jeff Cascaro is one of the biggest and most surprising revelations for me this year. His Mother and Brother is a compilation of beauty and craftsmanship and is highly recommended for soul fans as well as jazz cats … Or even better … for everybody who loves good, quality music.

A Teach review

Jeff Cascaro Linxxx

> Jeff Cascaro Official Website
> Jeff Cascaro on Myspace