Yep, the title Bakers Dozen gives it away and they finish on a particular high note with ‘Spental’. Now that’s not to say I don’t like the rest of it, far from it as they continue to develop and surprise us with their range of musical excellence.

You could easily press random shuffle on your player of choice, but you’d be barmy not to give special attention to the five tracks that feature soul diva Vanessa Freeman (Reel People/Kyoto Jazz Massive). We’ve previously featured ‘Walk Into My World’ via bassist/vocalist Chris Peddler. Chris and the Baker Brothers, Richard and Dan, have really moved on (for the better) since their early funk trio days. See how the opener ‘What You Do Is Right’ develops into a big brass soul funker.

‘Fantasy’ is old skool soul-jazz-funk mixing up Vanessa’s vocals, sax and guitar solos whilst ‘Aware Of Reality’ is laid back with lots of folky strings. Really enjoying this one at the moment in the sunshine and the Latin-tinged ‘Winding Rhythm’.

‘Keepin’ Together’ has that Afro rhythm and is kept together in the groove like an update of ‘Pick Up The Pieces’ (which kept AWB in bread for 30 years!) One for the Quantic notebook I think.

Nathan Johnson has now left these shores to help promote Rian Johnson’s new movie Brick. Johnson wrote the soundtrake to the film which is apparently High School detective storey. He is also touring the States with his band, Cinematic Orchestra. Those that did see his extraordinary live performances of ‘Don’t Turn Your Back On Me’ will not forget it.

Fans will also recognise other ‘live’ favourites, ‘All Baked Out’, ‘Tighten Up’ and ‘Piece Of Mind’. As the band is Bournemouth based, you’d think they would be off to the beach to bask in their own glory. But no, they’re off to Contre Temps Festival (Strasbourg, France - Sat 16th June) with what looks like a brilliant line up with the aforementioned Quantic making the short trip from Amsterdam, Alice Russell, Afronaught, Mr. Scruff, DJ Deep, Michael Rutten and many more). Alice Russell singing with The Baker Brothers! It could happen?

They have also been booked for the Lovebox Weekend so watch out for that one.

This is yet another band that that have produced their best album to date. Just right for the club, home, beach and bakery. Hot cakes spring to mind. Thirteen might be unlucky for some, but not for ‘Spental’

Hectic mix nomination: ‘Spental’, ‘Keepin’ Together’ & ‘Aware Of Reality’.

Reviewed: The Baker Brothers - Bakers Dozen (Peddler) Release date: Summer 2006
Featuring Vanessa Freeman on tracks: 1, 2, 9, 11 & 12.
Tracklisting:
1. What You Do Is Right (4:33)
2. Walk Into My World (4:43)
3. Keepin’ Together (5:19)
4. Hold On (4:02)
5. All Baked Out (3:30)
6. Tighten Up (3:56)
7. Ponky Wockett’s Revenge (3:29)
8. Peace Of Mind (3:34)
9. Fantasy (4:16)
10. Don’t Turn Your Back On Me (5:01) Featuring Nathan Johnson
11. Aware Of Reality (3:53)
12. Winding Rhythm (4:51)
13. Spental (6:27)

Links:
www.myspace.com/thebakerbrothers
www.thebakerbrothers.com
Contre Temps Festival (Strasbourg, France - Sat 16th June)
www.thecinematicunderground.com
Jazz Juice Bournemouth www.jazzjuice.com
BBC Film Network ‘Brick’ with trailer