SHUFFLE DEMONS play Lula Lounge July 26. See listing. Rating: NNN
It’s a great cosmic coincidence that, due to streetcar track repairs, the Spadina bus is running again just when the Shuffle Demons have reformed for a comeback. (It’s also an opportunity to revisit their 80s jazz-funk hit Spadina Bus on the actual bus.) If you’ve been missing the fun-loving Toronto band, you’ll be glad to hear that they haven’t changed much since their glory days. On the other hand, their goofier aspects haven’t aged so well.
While the vocals sound painfully dated, the horn arrangements show what a lifetime of playing can do for your skills. ClusterFunk is a helpful reminder that jazz isn’t just music for sitting quietly and clapping politely to. Surprisingly, though, the less overtly funky moments are the strongest. When the band goes for a more traditional jazz approach and moodier melodies, they prove themselves far more than a novelty act.
Top track: On The Runway
