Return Of The Iron Monkey

November 2008

ZANI check out Trio Valore's debut album

When ZANI interviewed Steve White earlier this year, he told us that his new band Trio Valore   will “aim more at the feet than the head”, with a Blue Note record label inspired sound, and a strong Hammond Organ influence.  Their debut album Return Of The Iron Monkey certainly makes good that promise, with an album that is pulsating, soulful, jazzy and uplifting.

There are strong echoes of Steve White’s collaborations with Hammond Organ connoisseur Mick Talbot, from their Style Council, Talbot & White and Players days. As many of Trio Valore fans are bound to have danced along to those classic Council B sides and album tracks, Mick's Company, Mick’s Up Council and Council Meetin'. Seamus Beaghan’s talent as a Hammond Organ player are supreme and shines throughout the album.

As Return Of The Iron Monkey is purely instrumental , apart from the very fleeting backing vocals, it is left down to White, (drums) Damon Minchella,  (bass) &  Beaghan (Hammond Organ) to pull together and let their musicianship shine through. Not only do they achieve that, but the whole album gives you space to let your imagination run riot.

I am sure that Italian filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni (Blow Up 1967) would loved to have luded Trio Valore ’s rendition of The Rolling Stones classic, Paint It Black, which is called by its Spanish name Pinturas Negras in his cult classic. If there ever there was the term satanic jazz, then this would certainly fit. It is haunting and melodic, and I am certain that the original songwriters, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards will appreciate this dark soulful version. 

Return Of The Iron Monkey is filled with many a spectacular track - Dam Square takes you to a smoke filled café in an Amsterdam back street with punters dancing into the early hours of the morning.  Well that is what I see when I hear that song.

The album certainly does conjure up images of France or Italy in the 60’s, and the sounds of The Meters and Booker T & MG’s are through out the album. Trio Valore   would openly admit that these bands provide an inspiration and  template to their sound. Some might say this album is retro, no it is a homage to jazz and soul of yesteryear, musical genres sadly overlooked lately.

My only criticism is that the odd vocal track would have been nice, but I am sure when Trio Valore  find the right vocalist, then they will let us know about it. Nevertheless with Return Of The Iron Monkey, Trio Valore  are making the album they want to make, and not bowing down to commercial pressure. They do not need to, as the soul and jazz movement is on the up.

Moreover I did the like of squelch lines in Hip Hug Her, and there is the potential for a potent remix, but not just to break into the club scene.  The overall track has a real sleazy funky feel to it, which will really get you dancing. In any case, you can never have enough squelch lines.  With the closing track , a hip shaking , finger snapping  cover version of Jimi Hendrix’s  classic Fire (Fuoco),  both your head and feet will remember Return Of The Iron Monkey for a long time to come.

© Words - Matteo Sedazzari/ZANI

Trio Valore's Official MySpace Page

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