Fresh from the success of their Higher Octave debut, Nocturnal — back for Round 3 — is Four80East, the special project of studio wizards Rob DeBoer and Tony Grace, featuring music that combines compelling grooves with moody textures in a Jazz context. Radio &

Records put it best: "Four80East fuses articulate Jazz with hip, street-savvy production... influenced by the harmonic nuances of Steely Dan and the vibrant, expressive melodies of Stevie Wonder, they take the art of Trance Jazz to the next level." 

The duo's blend of smooth, futuristic Trip-Jazz starts with their own musical talents. DeBoer is a classically trained pianist who also plays electric keyboards, bass and guitar. Grace plays the drums and various percussion instruments. Both men have paid their dues in a wide variety of bands, and obviously relish the opportunity to bring their skills to the forefront again for Round 3. Adding to the mix are special guest musicians like tenor saxist Jon Stewart; flutist Andrew McPherson; trumpeter Benjy Perosin; and Carlos del Junco on harmonica. 

"As always, most of the elements in the music are either ‘live’ or derived from ‘live’ performances," declares Rob, "Then it’s just a question of mixing and layering everything in a very organic way. Nocturnal was more of a dark, introspective record so we wanted to make this one a little more fun. The title originally came from the fact that this is our third album, but at the same time we were trying to come up with a direction for the artwork, and we really liked the aesthetic of a boxing theme; so it just kind of fit." 

Here are Rob's track-by-track capsule comments on Round 3: 

"Shot Clock" – Funky unison bass/guitar hook, driven by cowbell-laced, fatback drums. 

"Stars Like These" – Hypnotic electro-Latin journey. Best listened to with a full view of the night sky. 

"T.K.O." – A pugilistic three-way between sax, guitar, and Wurlitzer; with upright bass as the referee. 

"Mint Julep" – Sittin’ on a porch, sweatin’ with a tall, cold drink leaving circles of condensation on the wooden table beside you. Harmonica provides the heat, guitar provides the welcome breeze. 

"Je Pense a Toi" – Whispering French girl. Need I say more? 

"Montreux" – Slinky beats and smooth solos, the perfect companion for the morning commute. 

"3 Out Of 4" – Try clapping along with this one. Once you wrap your head around the groove, the plaintive, Moog-esque lead will take you on a cosmic trip to the piano galaxy and back again. 

"Tip Off" – Not so much a b-ball reference, more of a cops-and-robbers thing. Someone’s been wiretapped… 

"Last Flight to L.A." – Airport Departure Lounge, 3:00am: What’s it gonna be? Stay or go? Trumpet asks the question, Spanish guitar provides the answer. 

"Burn Down the Bayou" – Hiding out down in the swamp, as the flames get higher and higher. Is that Clarence Clemons coming through the smoke? 

It’s clear that Four80East create some of the most listenable, fun, Groove-Jazz around today. Round 3 is the latest installment in what will hopefully be a long-running series of sonic delights. 

For more information about Four80East, please contact:

 

Scott Bergstein

Higher Octave Music

p. 310-589-1515

f. 310-589-1525

Scott@higheroctave.com