Cabin Fever by Tia Brazda: A Jazz Gem That Sticks With You
Alright, let me just say this—Tia Brazda’s Cabin Fever is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released back in 2012 under Rebeluck Records (shoutout to Canada for birthing such talent), it’s a jazz record with personality. Like, actual personality. Not the kind where you nod politely and think, “Yeah, this is nice.” No, this album grabs your attention, wraps itself around your day, and doesn’t let go.
First off, can we talk about “Thief in the Night”? I mean, seriously. This track plays like a late-night rendezvous—you know, the kind where you’re not sure if you should trust the vibe but you do anyway because dang, it feels good. The groove is smooth, almost hypnotic, and Tia’s voice? She sings like she knows something you don’t, but she’s willing to share… eventually. It’s mysterious without being pretentious, which is hard to pull off. Every time I hear it, I picture myself walking down some dimly lit street, feeling cooler than I actually am.
Then there’s “Man Up!”—and woah, does this one hit differently. It’s got sass, attitude, and a beat that makes you wanna strut into a room like you own the place. There’s something so unapologetic about it, like Tia’s saying, “Hey, life’s messy, but you better show up for it anyway.” It’s catchy as heck too; don’t be surprised if you catch yourself humming it while folding laundry or stuck in traffic. Honestly, this song reminds me why jazz doesn’t always have to take itself too seriously—it can just be, y’know?
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going. Tracks like “Too Crazy” and “Wild Jack” bring their own flavors to the mix, keeping things fresh and unpredictable. And yeah, okay, maybe having three versions of “Thief in the Night” feels a little indulgent—but honestly? I’m not mad at it. Each version adds its own twist, almost like Tia’s daring you to pick a favorite. Spoiler alert: you won’t be able to.
Here’s the thing about Cabin Fever: it doesn’t try to reinvent jazz. Instead, it embraces what makes the genre great—its soul, its storytelling, its ability to make you feel things—and gives it a modern kick. Listening to it feels like hanging out with an old friend who always has something interesting to say.
And now for the unexpected remark: after spinning this album a few times, I realized something—I haven’t been to a cabin since forever. Isn’t that wild? Maybe it’s time to change that. Who knows, maybe I’ll find my own fever dream out there. Either way, thanks, Tia, for the soundtrack.
