Album review: 'Soul Passenger'

Soul Passenger

‘Soul Passenger’

Self-released

Soul Passenger’s
eponymous debut disc is so clean it squeaks. It’s a really straight-forward
groove, with augmented jazz in spots to keep the listener guessing. Regardless,
it’s a solid sender. More surprises come further down the track listing with
the band’s stab at reggae on “Are You Satisfied.” And though I’m generally
opposed to covers, they can still offer some insight into what initially turned
the band on.

Live, Soul Passenger
mixes it up broadly between its own boogie and covers. But on this record, they
stick to their own stuff for the most part. So you have to do the research and
listen for yourself.

I just got “Soul
Passenger” and I’ve already got favorites, including “You’ve Got to Be Cool to
Be Cool.” Complete with its swingin’ lounge lizard
breakdown midway through, the track stars sax man Vince Ercolamento
and the southwestern bop that brings to mind Sailor and Lula on the lam. Dig
this disc and you too can be a Soul Passenger.