Povo - Million Ways

OK, so I'm back after a short absence. I've been having one hell of a time getting my computer situation together so I can post without all kinds of assistance from the rest of the crew (I'm sort of a hard-luck tech-tard sometimes.). But thanks to Ms. Rachel, I'm able to present this melancholy bit of pop-jazz from Denmark.

Povo -- along with Five Corners Quintet, Sleepwalker, Nicola Conte and other like-minded mods -- is at the forefront of a new movement of club-friendly jazz inspired by '60s hard-bop, bossa nova and film scores ("Povo" is the title of an old Freddie Hubbard cut, btw). They've released a couple of hot 12-inches on the always-excellent Swedish label Raw Fusion, and this cut, "Million Ways," appeared on the 2004 Raw Fusion compilation "Inside Scandinavia." It also will appear on Povo's forthcoming debut LP, "We Are Povo," due out in March.

"Million Ways" is the only vocal cut I've heard by Povo, and it's a relaxing change of pace after a swinging jam session like "Uam Uam" or "Shihab's Habit." Check out the almost Beach Boys-like harmonies on the shout. This is a great make-out track, and it works for the lounge DJs as well.