Search - Tm Juke :: Forward

Joyful sounds

C. W. Hall | Atlanta, GA USA | 01/26/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You might not know the name TM Juke. You might not even know his real name, Al Cowan. But you know some of his work. How do I know? Because he's provided the musical background over which the incredibly talented Alice Russell has established her well-deserved reputation. Forward marks the first time Cowan's work has been released in the U.S. and the introduction should go over swimmingly.



Cowan is an exceptional musician who just happens to be in love with computers. But what shows most evidently on this album is his incredible capacity for seamlessly merging his talents with those of the vocalists with whom he works. The instrumental selections on Forward are notable, especially the infectious "Bee's on Mars", but the true magic of this record comes in the collaborations.



It is plain to hear that Cowan loves working with singers. Not only that, but he can work across a wide spectrum of styles to match what he is doing with the strengths of the vocalist in the studio with him. Witness the big-band/juke joint feel of "Come Away" that showcases Sophie Faricy, the funky rock flavor of Alice Russell's obligatory appearance on "So Good", the light pop feel of the collaboration with Elmore Judd on "Electric Chair", or the methodical groove of the bass-line on "Skin" that features Naim but wouldn't be out-of-place on a Joi album. The songs are all very different, but all equally wonderful. Cowan is one of those producers that can lead you astray in your record buying because you never know if the singer is really that good, or if he produced them up.



The one thing that is clear in every track on Forward is the joy that goes into the music. This is not dark moody dance music. What links the songs together is the celebratory feel they have in common. The music Cowan presents here is light in the best sort of way."