Reviewed by Steve Best

The jive express (note lower case spelling) are a collective of Aussie musicians from various denominations, whose debut is deliciously reminiscent of Jamiroquai and Incognito. Every single track is suffused with sun-drenched summer vibes, which add up to one of the most enjoyable listens this year. TJE's stall is set out in no uncertain terms with "J-Jive'n" which lopes along joyously, and the consistently high standard of playing and production never lets up, even through the black gospel-tinged "Sure Thing/Pick It Up" and the following "If Not For You", which features the New New American Singers (honest!). Although the closing "Grace" is a beautiful, peaceful song of devotion, there are plenty of jazz funk moments to treasure. The brass section honks at all the right moments, the bass alternately bubbles and pops, and the snare is as tight as a room full of skinflints. Utterly, utterly glorious from start to finish, this will have you scrambling for the airmail stamps. Now I'll leave you, if I may, with a quote from "Track 4" (which, strangely enough, is the album's fourth cut) "Ba da boo dot boo way", which, I think, says it all.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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