My first listen of I Wanna Howl had me instantly craving a double espresso and a morning newspaper. While I blame this mostly on the globalization of the coffee industry and the encroachment of those trendy café bars on every street corner, I also found a comforting familiarity in Pitt Reeves first solo outing as I had with several accomplished artists whose works are now played constantly at coffee houses. And by stating that this album could be placed on a Starbucks’ play list is not a sell out by any standard - past greats have included jazz phenomenons such as Ray Charles and Lizz Wright.
The Nairobi born, London based Reeves sews together disparate elements from a broad range of influences including 70's-era art rock, Reggae, Afro-beat, early Blues, and Indian Raga. I Wanna Howl starts off with“As One People” with Reeves hushed voice melodically riding a trumpet backed rhythm. The song is a relaxed message for harmony much like the psychedelic and aptly titled “Love Powah” that sets the meaningful tone of the album.
Reeves also delights with a few slices of Reggae on tracks such as “The Kamanawanabia” and the simple “C Dub” with its seriously catchy three note highlights. The groovy, steel guitar and trumpet backed “Blissful” is true to its name as it jams along without a care in the world.
I Wanna Howl ventures into more melancholy subject matter with tracks such as the honest and unapologetic “Somebody Save Me” with its 70s inspired guitar play. The rock influenced “Lucy’s Mourning” emerges triumphantly with its’ slightly heavier drum and trumpet presence. While taking a detour into such material, Reeves still manages to come off as uplifting and reflective in terms of his lyrical content and vocal delivery.
Reeves treats listeners to a global jam session, a fusion of several of his most important influences that has in turn, produced an honest and unadulterated collection of songs that should peak any listeners interest. While the album is rather short at only nine songs, it rounds out with a smooth finish, and will leave listeners wanting more – just like that perfect cup of morning coffee.
Rukshan Thenuwara – MuzikReviews.com Contributor
July 19, 2009
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