“St. Claude Bridge
Tommy Cheek”
If you can listen to the opening track (or any of these songs, to be honest), JB Blues, and not shimmy around with a smile on your face in whatever space you happen to be occupying, then truly, you’re made of stone. Tommy Cheek is a funky woodwind specialist, and he deploys his entire arsenal here, unleashing irresistible tenor and soprano saxophones, an alto flute and a bass clarinet with extreme groove-lead prejudice. Ghanaian percussionist Israel Annoh brings the beats, embellished by congas and bongos, with Ramsey Embick on keyboards and Sam Arnold on guitars and trombone. Infectiously catchy, and an all-round, tied-on good time.”