Music Review: BSTC - Music for a Saturday Night - Page 2

Music for a Saturday Evening boasts instrumentals as well, many of them using organs and swirling synthesizer effects, lending an almost psychedelic aura.  Interestingly the group covers “Agua de Beber,” although their version will not make you forget Antonio Carlos Jobim’s original.  Less effective are lengthy jams such as “Suffering and Smiling,” “Forty Five Days,” and “Jazz in Outspace,” which clock in at over six minutes each.  While they serve as pleasant background music, they do not stay in the listener’s memory.

The most fascinating track on the CD, “Mr. AC,” shows their ability to play straightforward jazz.   BSTC should record future albums dedicated to jazz; while they play acid jazz well, their improvisational techniques and horn solos are impressive.  While BSTC remains committed to producing material that defies easy categorization, an all-traditional jazz album would definitely showcase the group’s vast musical chops. 

Overall, it took a few listens before I decided that I liked much of Music for a Saturday Evening.  Perhaps the album is not meant for simply sitting and listening intently to the music; after all, the album’s title suggests that it’s meant as a soundtrack for dancing or just relaxing.  While BSTC accomplishes that goal, it would be worthwhile for them to further explore traditional jazz in future releases. 

Article Author: Kit O'Toole

Kit O'Toole is a lifelong music enthusiast who maintains a music blog, Listen to the Band. In addition, she is the internet columnist and a contributing editor for Beatlefan magazine. She also holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology.

Visit Kit O'Toole's author page — Kit O'Toole's Blog