Vampires - Chellowdene

The Vampires are a Sydney ensemble sporting a unique blend of soulful jazz, old-school reggae, and a sublime ease-of-delivery - think the 'jamaican jazz' style of Ernest Ranglin et al. Not only is there refreshing air around every note, but this air seems to be rising. It helps that the rhythms are often rooted in reggae, with all the space that implies. Much of the effect is due directly to the sounds and lines of trumpeter Nick Garbett and alto saxophonist [bell prize winner] Jeremy Rose, who are ideally matched in their ability to interweave cheerfulness and fragility. The Vampires are a delight.