I have just received and had a chance to listen to the new Irene Torres and The Sugar Devils release a number of times and it's actually quite refreshing. I certainly wouldn't file it under "blues" but I would file it under "listen to this music". The release is made up of 7 original tracks which have a world flavor. I would say Latin but it is more of a fusion of Latin, Island, Soul, Swing, Blues and Jazz for a blend that is very appealing. Peruvian born Torres has a seductive voice that is well paired with this music. The Sugar Devils are drummer Drew Austin and bassist/guitarist Josh "Yoshi" Piche. Without You, my favorite track on the release has a strong Reggae beat with Torres laying vocals in like she was born in Jamaica but using her own subtle styling. Criminal lays seamlessly into the wake created by track one keeping the light jazz touch but altering the rhythm pattern and melody as the transition is made and adding a little horn by Brownman Ali on trumpet. King Of The Block is again a switch in timing and style but again a fairly seamless transition and this time the addition of Rob Christian plays some great sax to punch this song into a different stream altogether. Before You Go begins with a Latin style trumpet and the song takes on a strong Caribbean flavor. Torres maintains close relationship with the music and the band warmly carries her vocals on a tropical breeze. I'll Be Good To You takes a strong directional break toward the R&B track and would likely get the most airplay just due to it's basic construction. Sticky Fingers and Sugar Devil get in the swing blues groove to wrap up the release. Yoshi rips some sweet guitar riffs to rap up the recording. If you are up for something a little different ... this is a great cd to try. I really like it.
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I'm a bit apprehensive to attach this video to the review because I believe that the cd is much stronger than any performance that I could find on youtube...but the show must go on.
