The Blue River Baby band have been working and evolving in Wellington for the last two years or so, and this tune is a clear representation of the style and sound that they have developed. Black Yard Town moves through a range of tempo and dynamic changes in a funk/ soul context, with an arrangement that is in one way tight and at the same time fluid.

You can hear the band working together in this recording, there is a real sense of experienced performers who understand the concepts of dynamics and groove, and how to add  flavour with improvisation.

The end result is powerful, and confident. Kudos to Blue River Baby for releasing this song-as a “single”- that is 7 minutes long. It's an emphatic musical statement, and It requires  a full listen (right to the very end!). Any edits that would cut the time down a traditional 3 minute format would do the song a grave disservice.

This is certainly  a band that would be worth seeing live, and this release categorically demonstrates their collective impact and skills.

Rating:  ( 4 / 5 )

https://www.muzic.net.nz/articles/reviews/89210/blue-river-baby-single-review-black-yard-town