THE VAMPIRES – GARFISH

Local Sydney musicians The Vampires have produced a third album of instrumental jazz-bebop gems that span a whole spectrum of musical styles including reggae, Latin, afro-beat and well, jazz. Garfish is an upbeat swag of duelling horns over a drum and double bass rhythm section that is confident in its own swagger with incursions into rhythmically engaging yet head-nod inducing grooves. One wonders how they can fit so much energy into the laid back tracks but they do so admirably by creating space together and combining for impact when they need to: the hallmarks of a team of musicians that are gelling together nicely. The opening and title track Garfish is a Caribbean reggae track that grooves for well over five minutes yet feels like a holiday sojourn, Haiti starts with a darting trumpet, alto sax and trombone solos over a simmering Latin jam while Heston is a lumbering afro-beat concoction that gives way to a bossy double bass solo. The Vampires play their form of bebop with such an upbeat flair and air of confidence that is infectious rather than arrogant. Prepare to be dazzled.

***1/2