French band Smoking Tropical soars with diverse, mesmerizing sound on new album
(Published: December 23, 2020)

Smoking Tropical is a recording act based in Bergerac, France. In 2019, they released an album titled Blues Singapour, which features 10 songs. The opening number, "Bonjour," has somewhat of a romantic sound to it, going for a special and one-of-a-kind feel. The track kicks off with a minimalist percussive backdrop, and it quickly delves into a more upbeat arrangement with some amazing brass instruments.

"Stan Getz" features a diverse approach with a bit of a tropical influence in the groove, highlighting the band's ability to bring a bit of fusion into their sound. "J'aime ça" dives into blues territory, and it features a beautiful arrangement with one of the most magnetic vocal performances on the album. "Bo Jazz" brings a funky edge to the album, with some killer electric guitar lines and some tasty bass hooks. "Coup de Blues" is another exploration of classic jazz and blues-inspired melodies, with a bit of a vintage flavor.

"Les Roses de Singapour" is a callback to the title of the album, and it is perhaps something that you wouldn't expect. The track reminds me of early European skiffle music and even some Gypsy jazz. You almost feel like you just walked into a Paris bar in the '40s, with a bit of a honky-tonk piano going and some magnetic rhythm guitars accompanying the singing.

"Lola Dansait" has a more modern flair, with different instruments adding more color and dynamics to the sound. "Mister Basie" reads like a homage to Count Basie, a fantastic and influential pianist from the U.S., who had a massive impact on the world of jazz. The next song is titled "Goodbye," and it is a killer track with a bit of a nostalgic flair to it, and a soothing arrangement that really works wonders in terms of adding an even more personal touch to this wonderful studio effort from this talented group.

In the end, the record comes to a close with "Moulleau le Pyla," an iconic tune with am appealing sound and detailed production aesthetics, which is a constant throughout the entire release.

More Information: http://smokingtropical.bandcamp.com/album/blues-singapour