Jumbies

Yet another jewel in our rich, gem-encrusted local music scene, this limber, percussion-driven, guitar-less quintet generates a singular take on Caribbean/world influences fueled by a kinetic rhythm section, easy-going, all-hands-on-deck vocals, Bill Peterson's (aka the White Tornado) otherworldly array of keyboards and Stan Dahl's skittering, sprightly steelpan.
Originally fashioned from the hammered and tuned butt-ends of discarded armed-forces 55-gallon drums in Trinidad/Tobago, steelpans yield a melodious, distinctively buoyant, sun-drenched sound, and Dahl's light touch on the tenor pan nicely counterpoints Peterson's free-wheeling flights of invention -- all of which is expertly supported throughout by the muscular, polyrhythmic crew of Justin Mann (bass), Chris Wood (drums/percussion) and Creighton Gaynor (congas, etc.).
"Burn" presents seven breezy originals; highlights include the infectious party-starter "Hey You," the horn-adorned high-stepper "Critical Mass," the languid, psychedelic/reggae hybrid "Rainbow," the blue-eyed funk of "Drive," the soul/lounge "Island" and the emphatic, playful closer, "Burn Up Me."
Jumbies will celebrate their CD release Friday at the Blue Moose Tap House upstairs bar with the Steph Johnson Band and Bossa Major sharing the bill (9:30 p.m., $6 cover).
-- Jim Musser
- Iowa City Press Citizen