Bipolar / Euphrates, Me Jane
Album: Euphrates, Me Jane   Collection:Missing
Artist:Bipolar   Added:May 2009
Label:Self-Release  

Album Review
Fo
Reviewed 2009-05-23
BIPOLAR: Euphrates, Me Jane
self-released, 2009

CLASSICAL/JAZZ – This unusual quintet walks the line between two musical worlds, but neither in an overly serious “third stream” way nor as a cheap gimmick. Instead it’s essentially light mainstream jazz with swanky melodies and a carefree retro air. The whole first half is good.

* * * | Fo’s Picks: 3, 4, 6, 7, 9

1. 4:31 – snappy swing with a classical lilt; straightforward round of solos
2. 5:05 – Debussy piece laid on top of a cool “Killer Joe” walking bassline
3. 4:18 – upbeat and swinging, a very catchy ditty in perpetual motion
4. 4:52 – Beethoven gets a bouncy makeover: nifty rhythm in this one
5. 8:12 – straight jazz ballad, becomes a stroll: has a cozy nightclub feel
6. 3:53 – speedy Debussy tune, would make a good silent movie soundtrack
7. 2:05 – Bach prelude at a snappy uptempo, nice arrangement!
8. 7:21 – standard ballad, has a sort of cabaret sound, long piano solo
9. 6:11 – gentle Faure piece, pit orchestra sound, becomes an upbeat swinger
10. 5:53 – relaxed, elegant stroll, cinematic touch, nice horns, bass solo
11. 4:31 – 80s smooth-soul hit becomes a light jaunty romp
12. 5:54 – Brahms theme, moves carefully, as if on tiptoe
13. 4:23 – Beatles ballad, with flute
14. 2:49 – Lively ‘n’ jazzy, feels like they’re playing it faster than written

[ Fo ] 05/23/09

Track Listing
1. Bipolar   8. I'm A Fool To Want You
2. Killer Beau (Soir)   9. Pavane
3. 9/13   10. I Told You So
4. Op. 130 (Presto)   11. Just The Two Of Us
5. Closed (Due To Fire)   12. Brahms 3rd (Poco Allegretto)
6. Passepied From "Suite Bergmasque"   13. And I Love Her
7. Bach Prelude (Well Tempered Clavier Book 1 #24)   14. Euphrates, Me Jane