Wild Wisteria - Smokin' Annie's Place
Rock, Folk, Indie Pop Rock
Adelaide, Australia
Overall Impression: A surprising yet stunning departure from the heavily folk-inspired sound of previous Wild Wisteria songs, "Smokin' Annies' Place" sees the group dip their toes into the unquestionably smooth and suave world of Jazz, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking. It takes a very particular balance of skill and confidence for a group to deviate from their usual sound and style, but Wild Wisteria strikes that balance perfectly and it really is a testament to just how well seasoned these musicians and performers are. Both harmonically and melodically sophisticated, "Smokin' Annies' Place" effortlessly glides from start to finish with the utmost grace and refinement, culminating in a smooth jazz piece that would feel right at home in one of New York's acclaimed jazz lounges with an obscenely large whiskey in hand! Great work!
Strongest Point(s): Knowing of Wild Wisteria's previous work, this was an extremely pleasant surprise, from folk-rock to jazz is quite the musical leap, but it's done so confidently and effortlessly that it can be difficult to believe that this was the same group, but it just goes to show how well musically versed these musicians are, and more importantly, that they aren't afraid to explore new musical avenues, something which many bands both fear and fail to do. Filled with virtuoso sax flourishes, complex harmonic progressions, and a deeply mature sense of melody, there is a definite air of style about "Smokin' Annies' Place" that you can't help but find absorbing. One element of the track that particularly stands out is the subtle key changes that are interspersed throughout, modulation in jazz is a staple of the genre, but that doesn't make it any less impressive when it's heard done so well, as is the case here. Key changes occur so delicately that the flow of the song is never compromised, and the lead vocals do such a sterling job of navigating the complex chord changes that you can't help but tip your hat in both admiration and respect. In conclusion, another prime example of great songwriting and assured performances by Wild Wisteria, and I thoroughly look forward to hearing what they do next.
Target Audience Appeal: Jazz lovers will certainly find themselves easily connecting with "Smokin' Annies' Place", it has the style, talent, and writing that the genre requires, and does a brilliant job of capturing the elegant nature of the style very well.
Artist target suggestions: Harry Conick, Jr. Norman Brown, Bill Evans Trio, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Vic Damone, Steve Tyrell, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis Jr. Andy Williams
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.