(Smooth Jazz, Soul) 5th And York - All In - 2013, MP3, 320 kbps

5th and York’s sophomore album “All In” is the coming of age album for the band. Their first album, “Nascentum” was designed to establish 5th and York’s unique style; however “All In” proliferated that style. This project is aggressive yet polished. “All In” displays the growth of the band both as individual musicians and as a unit. Although Derwin Friday and Gea Mase wrote the majority of the music, the album proudly showcases the dynamic range of Tra Mason’s vocals and writing ability. This album pushes limits and takes significant risks in order to convey the experiences that the band has had since the 2009 release of “Nascentum.” ”Maputo,” the first single off the new album, was a bold choice as this song is a popular and almost sacred smooth jazz song performed by David Sanborn and Bob James (written by Marcus Miller) from the 1990 release “Double Vision.” The entire “All In” album represents the maturation of 5th’s unique style and blend of music first introduced in 2009—now with added flair and a little help from a few great friends.

With a theme of casinos and wagers, this creative group of artists known as 5th & York, offer All In, an album as innovative and powerful as the talent of the group.5th & York
It excites me to hear such fresh approaches to this genre, and 5th & York truly make listening to really good contemporary jazz a treat. This album breathes an unmistakable air of confidence and the expression of self-identification as the group pleasantly colors a bit outside the lines (e.g., the dialog at various places on the album), incorporating a lot of eclecticism along the way.
The band consists of Derwin Friday (sax and EWI), Derrick Friday (guitars), Johnny Gillard (drums), Gea Mase keys/programming/keybass/vocals), Tracendia Mason (vocals), and Dewarren Tate (bass).
Tunes like the high-steppin’, highly charged “Your Move,” the imaginative And casually smooth cover of bassist Marcus Miller’s “Maputo,” and “The Key of G (ea),” a track obviously written by keyboardist Mase, sung by Mason, and a bit reminiscent of something you might hear from Sweet Honey in the Rock, all beckon you to lend your discerning ear to this interesting project. Other tracks of note include “Roll,” with its clever phrasing, fusion elements, and classy melody, the jazz/R&Bish “1st Date,” and “Phases,” a tune packing a lot of fusion quality, just to name a few more.
The mix of fusion, R&B, and both contemporary and a bit of traditional jazz make this album truly effective. It certainly isn’t hard to hear and feel the amount of thought and effort put into this project. This is an album that requires your relaxed, undisturbed attention to fully feel the creative juices that must have been flowing freely when these gents sat down to create it. – Ronald Jackson