Cinqui

One of those rare things: an album of good songs, played in a funky but understated manner and sounding as though they are simply happy to be playing together. Unpretentious and remarkable in that it is so simple.
Cinqui, Ian Sinclair and Stuart Dixon, are basically a Blues band but they play all sorts – funky, country and even some rootsy stuff.

‘You’re So Fine’ is gentle and easy with a lovely keyboard and brushed drums behind Ian Sinclair’s vocals and strong guitar from Dixon – a Memphis soul type of feel and featuring Danni Wilde on backing vocals to give it a gospelly kick and Will Wilde on harmonica to howl.
‘I’m A Fool’ sits in Little Feat territory with a delightful electric piano honky tonk to it and ‘My Lovers Arms’ has a real Dobie Gray feel.
The most raucous number of a hard and funky version of Chuck Berry’s ‘Memphis Tennessee’ and the treatment here really gives it something new – terrific guitar break too.
‘Should I’ is getting my vote for the most intense song of the year – stunning guitar, really dense and dark soul Blues and an absolute delight.

The more I listen to this album the more I enjoy the gentle playing and subtle melodies. The songs are fine and the playing is absolutely excellent all through – no big names, except Ms Wilde, but good playing and a big smile from the first notes to the last.

Cinqui are new to me but I really want to see them live – in the meantime I’m loving this.