Cannon In D Reilly by The Horizon Orchestra: A Jazz Gem That Still Grooves
Let’s get one thing straight—1984 wasn’t just about neon leg warmers and big hair. It was also the year Cannon In D Reilly dropped, a jazz album that feels like sipping coffee on a foggy morning. Released by GNP Crescendo in the US, this record is smooth but packs enough punch to keep you awake. The Horizon Orchestra doesn’t reinvent the wheel here, but they sure know how to spin it.
Now, let’s talk tracks. First up: “Reilly.” Man, oh man, this tune sticks to your brain like gum under a table. It starts off slow, almost shy, then BOOM—it opens up into this swaggering groove that makes you wanna grab someone's hand (or an imaginary partner) and twirl across the room. The horns? Flawless. The rhythm section? Tight as ever. You can tell these cats weren’t messing around when they laid down this track. Every note feels intentional, like they knew people would still be talking about it decades later.
Then there’s “Cannon In ‘D’,” which sounds like what happens if Bach met Miles Davis at a smoky bar somewhere. Yeah, it leans into classical vibes with that iconic Pachelbel riff—but wait for it—the band flips it on its head. Suddenly, you’re not in some stuffy concert hall anymore; you're vibing hard in a dimly lit club where everyone’s too cool to care. The way they stretch out those chords gives me goosebumps every time. Honestly, I could listen to this ten times in a row without getting bored.
Here’s the kicker though—this album isn’t perfect. Some parts feel dated, sure, but maybe that’s part of its charm. Like finding an old Polaroid photo tucked inside a book, it reminds you of another era while still feeling kinda fresh. And honestly, who needs perfection when you’ve got soul?
So yeah, Cannon In D Reilly. Not gonna lie, I didn’t expect much from a jazz album named after two random things mashed together. But hey, sometimes life surprises you. Just like realizing pineapple belongs on pizza—or doesn’t, depending on your stance—this record sneaks up on you and leaves you thinking, “Huh. Maybe I should give more weird albums a shot.”
