CD Review

Morning 40 Federation is an up-and-coming jazz band making a name for themselves in the mecca of jazz itself; New Orleans. For all intents and purposes, this is a bunch of guys that like hanging out in the legendary 9th Ward and got started playing open-mic nights at the local bars. Over time they gradually created their own unique style, and a select following evolved with the band as both they, and their energetic crowds, enjoyed the party atmosphere their shows created. By eventually combining a horn and sax section to the mix and a desire to improvise, they have finally brought their own formula to the road with some moderate success.

This new album marks their first national release, following a few regional recordings done over the past five years, and it definitely doesn’t pull any punches. A fast moving series of jazzy, improvisational tunes that flow from the bass lines of the baritone sax and drums, through the emphatic guitar and horn leads, it leaves you wondering what they are going to kick you in the butt with next. Far from the polished and introspective standard jazz composition, their goal is to get you up off of your seat and either dancing to the groove or laughing at the semi-self degrading lyrics, which mostly concern drinking, partying, and in the end, apologizing to their mothers and asking for forty bucks for more drinks. After all, to paraphrase what they sing in “Sorry Mom,” at least their not shooting dope and snorting speed.

Their loose party jazz won’t have them selling out any stadiums in the near future, but they’ll enjoy a long run of success as a club and small theatre band for as long as their livers hold out. The college set should take note of Morning 40.

See morning40.com for more info