Although my initial visual impression was that The Jukes was comprised of 20-something rookies in the music business, they�ve been playing a full cross-section of genres for at least a decade, individually, in duos, trios and quartets (Tumbleweed, Redbird, Eve Simmons, Cheryl Beatty, The Midnight Club, The Brewski Boys, etc.), some of which are still active entities.
This particular ensemble definitely leans towards upbeat rhythms in jazz, swing, blues, rockabilly, funk and old-time rock and roll, so there�s an exciting m�lange of original compositions here.
The only cover here is Gershwin�s �Summertime�, which song could probably win an award just for the number of diverse ways in which it has been musically interpreted (e.g. Big Brother & The Holding Company, Sublime, Reggie Miles, with Ham Gravy, etc.). The Jukes� version of it should appeal greatly to lovers of uptempo contemporary jazz. Although the hopped-up change in pace seems more complementary to the lyrics, and the instrumentation is undeniably unimpeachable, I prefer the laid-back renditions.
Although each of the band members (lead vocalist Peter Charles, guitarist and backing vocalist Josh Gordon, bassist and backing vocalist Andrew Taylor and drummer/percussionist Chris Chiarelli � no known relation to Rita) dedicate themselves to their respective instrument, they all contribute original material based on their various influences. Well-known keyboardist Rod Phillips (of The Midnite Walk) adds an organic element to several of these recordings, including the title track and most notably on �Drowning Man�, the only slow-blues sandwiched among these rockin� tunes.
There�s a strong parallel to Ottawa�s The Mudboys and Hamilton�s Jack de Keyzer in several of the musical presentations here, including �Raining in Toronto�, �I Blame You� and �The Sun Ain�t Shining�, so it�s really easy to get into the overall groove.
What a Night is an enjoyable music production by under-exposed guitar veteran Steve Grisbrook (also a member of The Midnite Walk), but it sure helps to have refined talent serving as a palette. |
