Equinox: Face the Music

This Dutch quintet aren't about to start any musical revolutions. The sound on Equinox's second release is an unabashed facsimile of classic American jazz, an impression is confirmed by the accompanying DVD, handsomely shot in black and white, which presents the musicians (including Dublin-born bassist Johnny Daly) in suits and ties that wouldn't have looked out of place on 52nd Street half a century ago. Despite the theatricals, Daly and his colleagues are accomplished musicians, and there is certainly an audience for hard bop played live. (Fortunately for them, Equinox start a tour of Ireland tomorrow.) But on record, to these ears, Equinox need to put more of themselves into the music or risk unflattering comparisons with the masters of this form. equinoxjazzquintet.com