Elevating the Jazz-Soul Horizon with Hypnotic Grooves and Velvet-Edged Vocals
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In an era where musical boundaries are nearly extinct, Hartlepool’s own jazz fusion specialists, NEEB, ascend to new heights with their debut album, Take To The Sky. A sonic journey through soul-steeped landscapes, this album marks a poignant evolution in the band’s sound, melding electronica, jazz, and soulful vocals into a seamless, luxurious fabric.
The nucleus of NEEB, Mark Hand, Mark Lloyd, and Tony Waite, have long been stalwarts of the experimental music scene. Their eclectic journey—largely defined by electronic, dub, and breakbeat influences—a fertile breeding ground for a soundscape as diverse as it is profound. Now, with the addition of the illustrious Jasmine Weatherill, the band finds an equilibrium that perfectly complements their rich auditory ethos.
Expect nothing less than a mastery of sound design. Recorded in their own Mobeus Studio, the album’s eight tracks, including singles like “Brighter Day,” “Take To The Sky,” “Cave of Hands,” and “All Caught Up,” echo with Martin Ditcham’s percussive wizardry—a testament to the band’s ability to collaborate with icons. Weatherill’s journey from guest vocalist to essential member adds a new dimension to NEEB’s expansive sound. Her vocals glide seamlessly over Hand’s textured keyboard motifs, and Lloyd’s impeccable drumming contributes to a lush, jazzy, late-night ambience.
In their own words, the band describes their current musical direction as “electro-acoustic and song-based, with soulful vocals and Rhodes piano, resulting in a fuller, warmer sound.” The album encapsulates this evolution beautifully, crafting a cohesive collection that encapsulates the late-night jazz soul vibe they’ve long aspired to attain.
Having shared the stage with diverse legends such as Zion Train, Pee-Wee Ellis, and Alabama3, NEEB are no strangers to the spotlight. Their festival prowess, with appearances at Glastonbury’s Avalon Stage, Solfest, and Free Rotation, among others, cements them as a force to be reckoned with in the UK’s live music ecosystem. Now, with Take To The Sky, they stand poised to enrapture both current fans and new.
As they Take To The Sky, NEEB invites us all to join them on a journey of auditory wonderment. This album is not just an exciting new release. It’s the declaration of a promising future for a band that knows exactly when they’re onto a good thing.
Take To The Sky is a true feast for the senses, sure to resonate long after the final note has faded into silence.
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