Live At The Cabin Studio by Stewart Curtis & His Brass Bottom 4tet – A Spirited Jazz Journey
Released in 2015 under the UK-based label 33 Records, Live At The Cabin Studio is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Stewart Curtis and his band bring a raw yet refined energy to this live recording, blending traditional jazz with quirky twists that feel fresh even years later. It’s not trying too hard to impress—it just does.
The album kicks off with "The Hiccup Tango," which is exactly what it sounds like: playful, unpredictable, and impossible not to smile at. This track sticks out because of its cheeky rhythm and how Curtis manages to make something as simple as a hiccup sound musical. You can almost picture the audience nodding along, maybe stifling a laugh or two. It sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the record—a mix of fun and finesse.
Another standout is "Satin Doll." Sure, it’s a classic, but here it gets a makeover that feels both respectful and daring. The Brass Bottom 4tet doesn’t just play the tune—they own it. There’s a swagger in the brass section that makes you want to grab someone and dance, even if your moves are questionable. By the time the soloists take turns showing off, you’re hooked. These guys aren’t just playing; they’re having a blast, and it shows.
Other tracks like "Tea For Two" and "Smile" keep things lively, while deeper cuts such as "My Yiddisher Modal" showcase the band's knack for blending genres without losing their identity. Tracks like "Bottoms Up" remind you why live albums have that special charm—the occasional rustle, the faint cheer from the crowd—it all adds up to an experience rather than just music.
What makes this album linger in your mind isn’t just the technical skill (though there’s plenty of that). It’s the personality behind every note. Stewart Curtis seems less interested in proving himself and more focused on creating moments that connect. And honestly? That’s rare these days.
If I had to nitpick, some tracks could’ve been trimmed a bit—there’s a point in “Having The Vinegar” where you think, okay, we get it—but hey, that’s part of the live magic, right?
In the end, Live At The Cabin Studio feels like stumbling into a cozy jazz club on a rainy night and realizing you’ve found gold. It’s joyful, unpretentious, and packed with character. My only regret after listening? Wishing I’d been there to hear it live myself. Guess I’ll settle for hitting replay… again.
