THE TIME IT TAKES

The time It Takes, Nice Beaver´s third release came no less than11 years after their second, Oregon (2004), but was well worth the wait. In fact, it´s surely their best. The line up is almost the same as the other two (only drummer Corne van Disseldorp is a newcomer). And although I did write some enthusiastic reviews about them a few years ago, looking back I always felt that something was missing about their music, specially concerning their songwriting skills. Their mix of progressive rock, jazz, soul and even a bit of R & B seemed odd, but it worked, at least partially. The trouble was that those elements were kind of scattered around, without really cooking. Now it´s a whole different story. On the new CD those dutch guys finally put all their influences into more consistent, mature compositions that flow from beginning to end without a hitch.

With an excellent, organic, production they have found their very own personality and sound like no other band. This is much thanks to the right use not only of stronger tunes, but also of the tight arrangements that show s their unique features like Erik Groeneweg´s fine soulful voice (sometimes reminding me of american singer Michael McDonald), Peter Stels great bass runs and Hans Gerritse jazzy guitar lines. Stels in particular shows a slight funk-like style that fits perfectly in. He is probably one of today´s finest bassists, while Gerritse plays some very good, tasteful licks and solos. New drummer van Disseldorp is a very good, versatile player that also proved to be the right choice for their music. In all we have 8 well crafted songs that are a joy to listen to. And the more I´m listening the more I´m liking it. One of those rare records where everything works like a clockwork: the right amount of notes at the right places, no less no more. I´m sorry this CD took so long to arrive and missed my list of best of releases of 2015. But make no mistake: if I could change it, this one would be at least at the top five.

Although hardly "classic progressive" (no symphonic parts here), The time It Takes still has all the elements I enjoy on an album: excellent tunes, the right amount of virtuosity to enhance the songs and -more important - an emotional delivering. I really wish those guys will produce more masterpieces like this one. Music for the heart and soul.

Rating: 4.5 stars with honors. Highly recommended!