The Five Corners Quintet – Cornerstones EP

Pre-release Xclusive! On the A-side of this 12″, ëStraight Upí presents a warm swinging instrumental slice of Brazilian-tinged classic jazz, woody-sounding percussion and metallic cowbells jangling against rolling piano fills, double-bass and even a stray hint of conguera yell peeking out amongst the rich horns – with an incredibly warm production approach done on a combination of classic-era and modern studio equipment, it immediately stands apart from the glut of plastic-sounding Pro-tools classic ëjazzí tributes that litter the shelves of your local record emporium. On the flip, ëBefore We Say Goodbyeí runs with this Brazilian flavour, with the smooth soul vocals of Grammy-nominated singer Mark Murphy riding over a shuffling backing of sparkling cymbals, soaring strings and jazzy piano that takes things straight into melancholy samba-romance territory, before ëBlue Cyclesí takes things further down into downtempo jazz, French vocalist Okouís Ella Fitzgerald-esque purr making its slinky way over a slow-burning backing of swelling torchsong strings, muted saxaphone calls and shuffling live drums. Another excellent 12″ from the Five Corners Quintet that easily reaches the impeccable standards set by their first few releases – the upcoming album should be something to hear, indeed.