CD Review

With the “blending of genres” a catch phrase for young bands in the process of finding their own voice, it’s refreshing to hear a novice act at least switch up the instrumentation before latching on to such a blanket description. Built around the soothing rhythms of Cort Farris’ steel pan drumming, Philadelphia based Fe (pronounced “fee” and aptly named after the symbol for iron), is a Calypso band that straddles jazz/rock lines as closely as the more relative afro-Cuban/latin beats.

Farris, who studied percussion at Berklee and played steel pan for Steel Source, eventually sought the talents of some fellow school trained players - Kevin O’Beirne, David Downham, David Dworanczyk, Joe Divita - and formed his own percussion heavy band. Together they’ve released Estivate, the soundtrack to your Caribbean getaway without the precious vacation time. “Mufasa” is a playful poolside jaunt that never loses it's step. “1625” beckons with the sweat and swagger dance of a long day at the swim-up bar, and despite it’s name, “Cha Cha” is the serenity only accomplished by collapsing in a wicker chair, sunburned, with a brain full of Red Stripe.

This easily overlooked debut album should make a nice addition to a few backyard barbeques this summer. Just don’t forget the tequila and those little umbrellas.