City of Four - Where Were We? (2022) Hi Res

When the jazz, funk and progressive styles come together it can be a beautiful thing. The songs harness a groove that seems like it’ll never end and the music lasts long enough that getting lost in the rhythms and beats is almost effortless. Boston’s City Of Four have been embracing this fusion for the past few years. The quartet of Mike Caudill on tenor sax, Christian Tremblay on the keys and synths, Blain Crawford on bass and Steve Wilkinson on drums exhibit a sound that’s captivating and will have the listener hooked. Their debut full-length, Where Were We?, that’s due out via Mint 400 Records on March 25 takes everything to a whole new level.

When it comes to the entire listening experience, it doesn’t seem like the parts are divvyed up. It’s a continual set of songs with a genuinely organic vibe coming across due to how its structured. The syncopation between the quartet is spot on with a distinct sonic flow being present. Each song stands on its own as well with a wide variety of tones and arrangements. It’s a complete record that has a lot going on in terms of substance and originality.

One of the joys that comes with this review column is that sometimes I get an album weeks in advance that I can’t wait to write about. There’s a childlike anticipation that comes with this that I think only a person in my profession can truly understand. This new release from City Of Four is an example of this because I’ve been listening to the album on and off for the past few weeks. I guess this means that I’m properly prepared for the next section. Here are my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week: Both Caudill’s sax and Tremblay’s keys lead off “Orbs” with Crawford’s bass and Wilkinson’s drums coming in a bit later on. A feverish display of rhythm and pace follows that up which is bound to get the senses in motion. The synth arrives in a big way during “Sand and Snow” with an electronic sheen encompassing the entire song. The longest track on the album is “Mirage” and it exhibits a steady progression. While doing so, it leads up to a cavalcade of sounds anchored by the saxophone.

A few days before the album officially comes out, City Of Four is going to be doing a pre-release party for their debut at Union Tavern in Somerville, Massachusetts on March 23. Fellow Massachusetts act The MontieroBots will be opening up the show. I highly suggest you go because seeing these guys live should be an amazing time. If you can’t, then grab a copy of the album when it comes out. It’s fresh jazz-funk done right and all you have to do is give it a listen to find out why.