Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra - Enjoy! (2008) CD-Rip

Issued in 2008, ENJOY! marks the studio debut by New York City-based saxophonist/bandleader Travis Sullivan and his Bjorkestra ensemble, which, as the playful name implies, performs orchestral versions of Bjork songs. Largely avoiding a chamber-pop aesthetic, the group, which features vocalist Becca Stevens, gives the Icelandic artist’s tunes a full-bodied jazz sound, as heard on its horn-laden take of “Alarm Call.”

This album is more than just a collection of covers of Bjork songs. Different from CDs like the "String Quartet Tributes to" artists like Bjork and Radiohead, this album really stands alone as a funky, brassy, bold, and beautiful big band jazz album. It combines very modern sounds (electric guitar, drums, electric/computerized percussion, etc.) with old-fashioned jazz elements (a killer horn section, great piano solos [particularly on "Cocoon"], the great vocals by Becca Stevens) -- a quality of Bjork's work that I have always admired, the combination of the modern and the antique. Becca Steven's great interpretation of the songs vocals will be a refreshing treat for those who cannot get into Bjork's music because of her divisive singing voice and style, and Becca is a great singer in her own right. I highly recommend this album to jazz fans, Bjork fans, and fans of interesting and engaging music of any kind. The only thing you will regret is not getting to hear some of your OTHER favorite Bjork songs that didn't make the cut. - Dain Goding