Basco - Big Basco

Basco
Big Basco
Go’ Danish Folk Music GO0811

Basco has grown since their last album – literally. The energetic four-piece has added three brass players to fill out and change their sound. Although there’s still the great glee of writing in several traditions (for a Danish band there’s only a small amount of Danish influence on this album), the brass adds deeper resonance and possibilities, bringing extra solemnity to “Hymn,” for instance, and upping the romping, jollity factor on the traditional “Jacky Tar,” making it reminiscent of a Bellowhead outing – the lineup is bound to invite comparisons – although without the forceful central personality of Jon Boden. But then again, Bosco don’t want to by copyists; they’re forging their own sound, and a thrilling one it is too. The brass enhances every piece, and the tunes are exceptional throughout, with a special mention for the gentle, lush closer, “Lova Lova.” Given an interest in bigger bands in Danish folk music (think Habadekuk), this might be a trend. There’s great music here, and you could think of Bosco as having moved several steps along – and don’t forget the wit that’s part of the package, either.