When it comes to the sounds of nu jazz, Latin jazz, soul, funk and electronica, German band Club Des Belugas are seasoned veterans who, after 14 years, have continued to push the music forward with dignity, integrity and authenticity. For their latest double LP NINE, the group have gone out with a bang, almost in a celebratory manner, encompassing styles rich and varied.

Whilst for the most part, double albums have proven to be overkill for many records of the past, for ‘NINE’ it’s surely appropriate. Disc 1 is a voyage through jazz stewed with Latin and Brazilian grooves, American swing, upbeat funk and even French lounge/surf. Running fifteen songs deep, the arrangement of each selection proves to be vital as moods and tempos continuously shift from mellow to all-out upbeat and funky. The band’s ability to drive down avenues of multiple decades rhythmically is almost uncanny, allowing the listener to never get bored.

Disc 2 is a further delving into multiple styles with Club Des Belugas incorporating funk, soul and jazz that at times makes you instantly want to jump up and dance to more laid back offerings that would fall into chill-out territory. Musically the band also highlight the fact that they can pretty much play anything irrelevant of genre, as they stretch out with confidence and fun throughout each track.

Guests on the album include Brenda Boykin, Anna Luca, Antoine Villoutreix, Ashley Slater and many more, helping to transform the record into a global affair.

Nine is a fun and highly spirited double album from start to finish. Unlike bands who tend to take the more straight and narrow, academic approach to recreating classic sounds, Club Des Belugas have invited listeners to come in and simply have fun, which in itself is a monumental win for the LP. Combine brilliant instrumentation along with incredible vocal contributions and the result is a record that is a dazzling gem of a release.

Nine is out now via GlamJazz Records.