The Savants of Soul are an up-and-coming group clearly attached to the energetic roots rather than pain of soul and Southern jazz, and all the better for it. From singles “Son Be Strong” and “Old Ways” in their brand new first self-titled LP, to previous EP or live release numbers, “Breezy Sunday” and “Second Chance Lover” on, they explode with energetic hope reminiscent of Sam and Dave, and bass lines that guide a brand of music that could get away with being purely R&B or jazz in this day & age of bleeding styles and available streaming.
Evidence of a heartfelt joy is there in the first track, “Right on Time”, and makes up most of the record. Then going from such a hip and relaxed attitude on “More than One To Choose From” or “Get Up” to a rambunctious one on “Deliverance”, and even if “Something in the Distance” or “Kick Out The Jams” are too familiar, “Swell”, “Buy Me The Law”, and “Yes I Will” show innovative jazz rhythms and again spirited vocals.
Lastly, “Trigger” is more relaxed, but more than enough soul to keep up with a debut release, Savants of Soul, which is an, if not flawless, at least beautifully rendered version of the drama which good music can bring in the jazz-soul-and-R&B blend.
