Music is stuck in an ever decreasing cycle of retromania, as today's less able, often unimaginative, technology enabled producers look to the hooks of others for their cut and paste pastiches.
Prince Enoki is bucking the trend, skipping the named generations and heading deep into twentieth century orchestral territory, a time of big studios, big bands and more innocent (sounding) times. Hailing from Canada, Enoki was originally a jazz bassist but seems to be getting more pleasure from composing and arranging larger ensembles these days, his ambition and devotion to expansive vintage sounds is impressive to say the least.
I'm not quite sure who, apart from myself, this LP will appeal to, but I'd probably play it to your parents and grandparents first, especially if they have a penchant for old black and white musical films with large dance troupes. But saying that the musical curious and open minded youth, due to the obvious quality, might just see past the lack of electronics and autotune, it really is that classy. Mind you the LP celebrates the natural world, just at a time when the issue is at the forefront of everyone's minds, so perhaps its more modern than I think?
Jocelyn Barth is back, who I've mentioned in previous Enoki dispatches she really is a wonderful singer, but she's not alone and well supported by Jackson Welchner and mystery tea - Enoki's address book is obviously large. In comes a string quartet who probably play for the local philharmonic orchestra as a day job. Flutes and clarinet float through the carefully crafted arrangements that are never too cluttered, never too sparse, and (presumably) Enoki ditches his baton and lays down a bass pulse, lest anyone momentarily gets lost in the nostalgic magic unfurling around them. If that wasn't enough then the LP celebrates the natural world c
If you need a trip down memory lane or maybe just a first time listen to classic twentieth century chamber folk and ensemble aided crooning then you probably won't find a better modern example of those classic sounds.
Playlist Companion:
Find a the Enoki's Brazilia tribute and other great global grooves and moves in the Slow World Playlist.
Comments