UNDER THE LAKE are a Portland-based jazz outfit powered by the dual horns of David Evans and John Moak. The rest of the line up is Jayson Tipp (keys), Brian Foxworth (drums), Kenny Franklin (bass), Evan Mustard (guitar)), Nat Caranto (alto sax) and, from time to time, harmonica player Joe Powers. Between them,  the team have worked with luminaries like BB King, Gladys Knight, 4 Tops, The Temptations, Dave Brubeck, Randy Brecker, even Ella Fitzgerald).

Right now Under The Lake are getting ready to launch their new long player, ‘Jazz, Groove & Attitude’. The set is the band’s fourth album and like the previous three, it channels the classic sound of 70s and 80s outfits like the Crusaders. Why… Under The Lake even feature a trombone (courtesy of John Moak)!

The new set’s focus track is ‘George Is His Name’, an unashamed tribute to one of the band’s heroes and influences – George Duke. Also of note is a sombre ‘LJT’ – a tune inspired by 1968 Olympic athletes Lee Evans, John Carlos and Tommie Smith. This is the cut that features Joe Powers’ melancholic harmonica. Like all the songs on the album, ‘George Is His Name’ and ‘LJT’ are band originals.

Elsewhere ‘September Groove’ boasts a real soulful attack – full of attitude and sass. Indeed it epitomises the buzz words for the album…. jazz, groove and attitude.

UNDER THE LAKE ; Jazz, Groove& Attitude is released on Mind The Overdrive on February 23rd.