Nocturnal

AMG Review of Nocturnal

Paula Edelstein
All Music Guide

The stylistic consistency of Four80East is remarkable on Nocturnal. The production and compositional values achieved on these ten tracks are a testament to the duo's passion and commitment to their music as well as their formidable technical wizardry. The duo -- Rob DeBoer and Tony Grace -- wrote all the songs and are joined on their ultra-sonic groove of soul, funk, jazz, and fun by tenor saxophonist Jon Stewart, flutist Andrew McPherson, and trumpeter Ivana Santilli, and together they provide not only sonic pleasures but a visual imagery that emanates from the upbeat swing of "Bumper to Bumper" to the frenzied synthesizer blitz on "Drive Time." However, Nocturnal is more organic and diverse than their previous CD The Album in that it possesses more musical forms and styles, like more funky percussion, groove chops, and acid jazz layers. Ivana Santilli and Andrew McPherson both play excellent trumpet and flute solos on "Wake and Bake," and this song is likely to give the group its biggest hit. This is a great CD for those into synth sounds and the creativity they provide for a small ensemble.