Twin Danger

Personnel: Vanessa Bley (vocals, guitar, piano); Stuart Matthewman (guitar, saxophone, Fender Rhodes piano); Michael Leonhart (trumpet); Gil Goldstein (piano); Jamie Alegre, Joe Bonadio (drums).
Audio Mixer: Stuart Matthewman.
Recording information: 58N6 Studios, New York, NY; Cottonbelly Studios, New York, NY; Maverick Studio, New York, NY; Mission Sound Studios, BK.
Photographers: Phil Knott; Tillet Wright.
Twin Danger's 2015 self-titled debut showcases the Brooklyn-based duo's distinctive combination of lyrical, sultry jazz and infectious, R&B-infused pop. Formed in 2013, the group features the talents of longtime Sade guitarist/saxophonist Stuart Matthewman and vocalist/guitarist Vanessa Bley. The daughter of jazz pianist Paul Bley, Vanessa has a yearning, soulful vocal style that's matched beautifully by Matthewman's sophisticated horn arrangements and nuanced instrumental accents. In some ways, their languid, stylish aesthetic does bring to mind the sophisticated pop sound Matthewman helped craft with Sade in the '80s and '90s. However, Twin Danger have eclectic tastes, and you can also hear the influence of such varied artists as jazz trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker and idiosyncratic singer/songwriter Rickie Lee Jones. Twin Danger even include a contemporary cover with an atmospheric reworking of Queens of the Stone Age's "No One Knows." Also featured are the spotlight tracks "Coldest Heart" and "Sailor." ~ Matt Collar