AGE E.G. REVIEW of LET'S FALL IN LOVE

Jack Howard has been a part of the Melbourne music scene for many years, notably as a part of the horn section in the fantastic Hunters and Collectors, and now as the leader of his own band. His latest effort shows he's stepping out in his own right. With backing from Nicky Del Rey on guitars, Barry Stockley on bass and Sharky Ramos on drums, Howard seems to be relishing the role of front man and has become an accomplished lead singer. But where he's made the most progress is as a songwriter, including a bracket of three numbers – Let's Fall In Love, When Will I Be Over It and, in particicular, the instrumental El Magnifico – that are highly impressive.
Where the material takes off is when Howard fires up his trumpet, along with trombonist Aidan MacArtney, for a sound that has elements of Latin lounge, a la Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass, plus a dash of spaghetti western soundtrack. He wisely doesn't try to replicate that hard-driving H & C sound – this is easy listening for rockers. *** (3 stars)