THE GADDABOUTS

The Gaddabouts

[Racecarlotta]

While it’s only natural to mistake the Gaddabouts’ self-titled debut for another Edie Brickell album—perhaps a companion piece to the eponymous effort she released in January—that assumption misses the mark. This is an all-star assemblage, with Brickell being but one of the headliners alongside veteran drummer Steve Gadd, Who bassist Pino Palladino and British guitarist Andy Fairweather-Low. Gadd, who played with Brickell on the initial demos that birthed the band, not only steers the pace but sets the tone as well. The Gaddabouts mines his trademark shuffle and his easy amble, from the breezy sway of the aptly titled “Let It Slide” to the gypsy-sounding desire of “My Heart,” the cool blues groove of “Gonna Hold On” and the supper club caress of “They Say Everything.” Unassuming yet engaging, The Gaddabouts marks an auspicious debut. –Lee Zimmerman