Location:
USA, NY

Category:
Blues / Pop / Singer/Songwriter

Elijah Tucker is a Brooklyn-based musician of many talents and persuasions. Notably, on Saturn, my first experience with him, the core fundamentals of funk, jazz and rhythm and blues are his sharpest tools. An impressive biography details a lifetime of musical exploration, taking time to learn both the basics and advanced nuances of his craft at various institutions of music before setting out to make his own mark. 

 

 

Independently released and undoubtedly polished, Saturn has the upmost professionalism behind it's production and direction. This was the first thing that struck me, and the next was the warm and familiar class and sophistication behind Elijah's songwriting, deftly mixing elements of various genres into enjoyable concoctions. Opener "Gimme Gimme" has a definite Motown feel to it, but manages to sound nostalgic and refreshingly modern all at once, reminding me somewhat of The Decemberists in a certain way. "Crazy Things" is a sultly, funk-laden jam that brings Elijah and his band's individul skills to light in greater resolution. Things switch up yet again with "A Crimson Gleam", a rougher, more guitar-driven rocker that contains a sinister feel behind it's pensive lyrics. "Kicking Snow" is a wonderful number, standing apart in it's biting blues meloncholy. The crafting of this and, indeed, every song on Saturn is truly breathtaking; the variety, class and skill injected into the album makes for a truly unique experience from track to track.

 

 

The only logical complaint to be had for this reviewer is the lack of more material (8 tracks, 34 minutes). One can hardly complain, however. Despite this general mix of sounds not being my usual cup of tea, Elijah Tucker and his band's Saturn has left me with nothing but a smile. Also notable are the groovy, pop-centric "O Pain! Piano" and an interesting take on the Wizard of Oz number "If I only had a Brain". Not a bad track to be found, and barely a genre of music is missed in the successful brew of Saturn. Recommended for...anyone who enjoys music.