Album review: THE IDEA OF NORTH - Evidence

ABC Jazz

Review copy supplied by Abels, Canberra

Reviewed by Tony Magee

The eagerly awaited fourth album from the astonishing Idea of North is here! Out now on ABC Jazz, it once again demonstrates that this group is Australia's foremost and most highly talented a-cappella vocal ensemble and definitely one of the best in the world.

Contained therein, lies some sublime music - both in choice and in arrangements and performance.  Stevie Wonder's wonderful song Isn't She Lovely (from Songs in the Key of Life) is engagingly presented in a manner quite reminiscent of the original feel. On the other hand, Jobim's Corcovado receives an exciting new treatment using some of the original chord changes, but some new ones too and a new slant on the melodic direction. The overall essence of the song is preserved beautifully.

Thelonius Monk's tune Evidence, with lyric by James Morrison and featuring percussionist David Jones, is an incredible jazz romp with little moments reminiscent of the Swingle Singers (remember them?), whilst Sister Sadie is a tune that will instantly be familiar to most people, here given a bubbling and frothing treatment in fine swing style. James Morrison is also a featured artist on Gershwin's But Not for Me, playing flugelhorn.

Soprano Trish Delaney-Brown has composed four songs for the album. Her song-writing is quite superb and it is therefore not surprising that she has been named Australian songwriter of the year. Wow! Simple Feast is a hauntingly beautiful ballad, whilst Rachel will bring a tear as you listen carefully to what it seems to be about and We Will Find a Way is one of the most uplifting and inspiring pieces you are ever likely to hear. She has also composed music to the Henry Lawson poem After All.

I'm sure that listeners will once again be delighted with this album from an Australian group that we should all be very proud of, who by the way, are also starting to break into the international scene in a major way. I think you can use this album in dinner situations in fine dining or lunchtime cafés. It's also very suitable for in the car driving to and from your work. Enjoy.

First published in Eat Drink Magazine, August 2004