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.
