Koop is all about a certain lightness of touch. Their jazz-influenced sound floats delicately and most of their guest singers have airy voices that contribute to the music's dreamy, laid-back vibe. Their previous album, Sons of Koop, was well-received and with good reason. Waltz for Koop is just as good. Oscar Simonsson and Magnus Zingmark continue to make highly contemporary music with their own unique twist.
"Baby" sees Cecilia Stalin singing sweetly of perfect love to a club-friendly backing. She also appeared on the first Koop album and it's easy to see why. "Summer Sun" uses Yukimi Nagano's cute voice to create a soundtrack for the best summer you've ever had. Earl Zinger steps in on "Modal Mile" and delivers a half-spoken vocal while the music goes all acid jazz on us. Zinger's rougher voice doesn't seem out of place at all.
Folk-jazz singer Terry Callier brings out the best of "In A Heartbeat," which is heavy on percussion and has a glorious melody. Yukimi Nagano returns for the atmospheric closer "Bright Nights." Here she sounds like an Astrud Gilberto for the current jazz scene.
Waltz for Koop is short, but ever so sweet and it will bring a smile to the face of even the most hardened cynic.
