The third in this series, not “standards” as such (‘playfully misleading’ I think is the phrase here) – penned mainly by Bill Wells, jazz institution and go-to collaborator for many musicians in Scotland and beyond, this is a very pleasant listen.
Ten mostly low-key tracks, vocalists backed by Bill on various keyboard effects and others, no real drums (he’s not keen, ironic given the some of the great work he’s done in the past involving drums, for example the ‘Everything’s Getting Older’ album with Aidan Moffat, which remains a modern classic, and Betty doesn’t say that lightly) but there are some beats of various descriptions.
The sparse arrangements and whispery English-accented female vocals recall some St Etienne at their most oblique, very classy songwriting – not sure quite where the market for this is but it is very nice.
References on first track ‘Alive and Well’ to hot summers and prosaic talk of garages and showers work well, setting up a reflective atmosphere. ‘Unguarded Moment’ is almost like a nursery rhyme.
There are some crafty hooks and sly catches to this – it’s thoughtful, playful and meditative – several tracks have some great harmonies, for example the Beach Boys cover ‘With Me Tonight’. There’s a bit of bossa nova as well – also some odd guitar samples and slightly wonky effects, so completely home-made, and very authentic for it, a sincere and honest release – roll on Vol 4 or some higher-profile assault on the public – why not?