BEN LAMAR GAY – Yowzers – CD [JUN 6]

Description

This bottomless bag of tricks never induces fatigue, instead allowing for breaths and bites as neededthe quick-vibe banana peel windup of rollerskates; the endlessly psychedelic metallic rhythm chant of the albums centerpiece I am (bells); and the triumphant free-folk shouts of the glorification of small victories, which is a drastic and collaborative quartet rework of a composition originally recorded for Gays album Grapes that serves as further evidence of his steady crews interpretive powers.

How, though, does Gay end a collection that covers so much ground? The sweetest sendoff is often the one that sounds like a beginning. The album closer leave some for youa balladeers kiss as the sun comes uppairs a deeply disintegrated series of rhythmic loops with a diddley bow shuffle, ushered by the sturdy-yet-understated swing of Morettis kit. Gays sweetly intoned low-register lilt is front and center with an affirmation delivered as an earworm. The simple melody carries it home:

You look brand new today
Not cause you need it
Just cause you want it
New

Tracklist:

1. yowzers
2. the glorification of small victories
3. there, inside the morning glory
4. roller skates
5. for Breezy
6. I am (bells)
7. promontory
8. John, John Henry
9. damn you cute
10. cumulus
11. touch
12. leave some for you