Reviews of 'All In'
Keith Black - Winnipeg Free Press (Feb 24, 2022)
While most of the reviews here can be considered a serious look at a mostly serious genre, sometimes there is a spectacular example of, well, something completely different. This album is a wonderful antidote to current world issues. It is an unabashed, outrageous and often hilarious romp that is pure fun.
The Shuffle Demons are a Canadian band that has convened every now and then since 1984 to make you smile while they chew the scenery. The album is their 10th and the best of the ones I’ve heard. The band is Richard Underhill on alto and baritone, Kelly Jefferson and Matt Lagan on tenors, Mike Downes on bass and Stich Wynston on drums. In concert they are known to dress in outlandish costumes that match the mood and style of the music. I suppose funky might be the best summary descriptor, but that is far from the whole story.
While sometimes described as clown princes, their music is much more than just comic relief. The compositions swing like mad, the ensemble playing is incredibly tight and the solos are as good as it gets. The harmonies in every melody show clean writing and wonderful musicianship by all members. The overall effect is a joyous, in-your-face journey that simply feels good. The fun these guys are having is tangible. The music needs no intense analysis; just lighten up and enjoy the ride.
The track called Covid Blues wrestles the pandemic to its knees with a super uptempo drive that would send truckers back home. It takes real skill to make something difficult seem easy. The Shuffle Demons use serious skill to create this cheerful and celebratory environment. Long may they live.
Rated 13 stars; one for each province and territory
STREAM THESE: All In, Covid Blues
— Keith Black https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/music/new-music-576238612.htmlhttps://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/music/new-music-576238612.html
Ted Parkinson - The Whole Note (March 7, 2022)
The Shuffle Demons formed in 1984 by busking on the mean streets of Toronto and built their show and music into ten albums with much touring around the world. In fairness I must disclose sharing a Guinness World Record with these enterprising folks: we played the theme to Hockey Night in Canada with 900 other sax players in Dundas Square in 2004!
The Demons wear loud, colourful costumes, perform with enthusiasm and humour, and their music is exciting and fun. The personnel has changed over the years but their orchestration is consistent: three saxophones, upright bass and drums. Their latest album is All In (which could actually describe almost any of their musical performances or recordings) and features compositions by band members Richard Underhill (with six tunes), Matt Lagan, Mike Downes and Stitch Wynston.
There are no ballads on this album! One of my favourites is Wait, What? which begins at a blistering tempo with a melodic sax line I’d describe as “cosmopolitan” which is then harmonized and rolls into a bop solo. There is a great ensemble section in the middle, more solos and then the bright melody again for the outro. Watch Your Step has the funkiest riffs and much of the tune is filled with excellent ensemble work over delightful noodling melodies. In fact, all the tunes are melodic and inventive with energetic solos over top of the hard-working rhythm section of Downes and long-serving Demons’ drummer, Wynston. All In swings and grooves for all ten tracks.
https://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/booksrecords2/jazzaimprovised/31670-all-in-shuffle-demons
Kyle Simpler - All About Jazz (Jan 24, 2022)
Bands such as Tower of Power and the Average White Band are known for their hard-driving blend of funky soul mixed with rock and jazz elements. The Canadian-based group, Shuffle Demons, takes these influences and keeps the funk alive while emphasizing their own jazz roots as well. Their tenth album, All In, features a non-stop combination of in-the-pocket grooves combined with big band elements.
The Shuffle Demons formed in 1984, and they started off playing as buskers in the Toronto area. By 1986, they scored a hit in Canada with the song "Spadina Bus," which introduced a larger audience to their upbeat blend of jazz, funk, and rap. All In presents an all-instrumental collection of original songs featuring Richard Underhill on alto and baritone saxophone, Kelly Jefferson and Matt Lagan on tenor saxophone, Mike Downes on bass, and Stich Wynston on drums.
One of the key elements of The Shuffle Demons is their playfulness. They are usually dressed in outlandish costumes, and their stage performances are quite often somewhat theatrical. This aspect is clearly present in All In, which is filled with infectious upbeat grooves that definitely emphasize the fun factor. With song titles like "Wait, What?" and "Let's Play," it's probably easy to pick up on the fact that there is a quirky element to the music.
However, it would be a mistake to chalk The Shuffle Demons off as some sort of novelty act based solely on appearances. Listening to them, it's obvious that all of the members of the band are skilled musicians, and they clearly enjoy playing together. These guys have some definite jazz chops, and there are plenty of times where they exercise their improvisational muscle. There are also some tight harmonies and driving grooves that should please even the most die-hard funk fanatics.
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/all-in-stubby-records
