Critically lauded in the U.S. but entirely ignored in their U.K. homeland, acid jazz collective
Down to the Bone's ninth studio album,
The Main Ingredients, is unlikely to change matters, sticking resolutely to their formula of epic eight-minute instrumental jams and the odd soul-funk vocal track. Having recruited '90s Eurovision entrant Imaani (who replaces regular
Hill St. Soul vocalist Hilary Mwelwa) and former
Incognito bassist Julian Crampton to their ever-changing collective lineup, their first release through Trippin 'N' Rhythm Records shows glimpses of the potential that was realized in the mid-'90s by
Jamiroquai and
Brand New Heavies, particularly the funky bass licks and tight grooves of the Latin-tinged "Watch Me Fly," which could have been lifted off the latter's
Brother Sister, and the breezy melodies and chilled-out sax solos of "Closer," but as ever, founder Stuart Wade appears far more concerned with providing a soundtrack for the clubs of their debut album's title,
From Manhattan to Staten, than appealing to the mainstream. The lounge-bar piano chords of "Music Is the Key," the twinkling vibraphones of "A Universal Vibe," and the smooth wah-wah jazz of "A Change Has Got to Come" are all likely to keep the cocktails flowing, but the rather self-indulgent bookends "Uptown Hustle" and "Cut and Run" are just as likely to have clubbers reaching for the skinny lattes in order to stay awake. Sticking to what they know best,
Down to the Bone are single-handedly keeping the acid jazz scene alive, but while
The Main Ingredients is an effortlessly smooth affair, there's little here to spark a full-scale revival. ~ Jon O'Brien