Oregon natives Nu Shooz, who were famous for infectious 80's dance grooves like "I Can't Wait" and "Point of No Return" have slowed down for a post-modern martini with their latest album, Pandora's Box by the Nu Shooz Orchestra. Husband and wife duo John Smith and Valerie Day have created a new style of music that is more progressive, lush and orchestral than the music they created in the past. In 1987, Nu Shooz was nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy award.
The title track, "Pandora's Box," is enchanting and sounds like it could be on a Disney movie soundtrack.
"Welcome To My Daydream" features Valerie's dreamy vocals over a slow, lilting beat. The new music is a definite change from their past. It is equally lyrical and charismatic despite the differences. The new genre of music might best be described as a light jazz / pop fusion. The songs are sophisticated and cause the listener to contemplate more than dance. "Looking Glass" layers digitized vocal effects with vibraphone chimes and guitar strums. The new album even includes a slowed down version of "I Can't Wait." Fans of Pink Martini and Esquivel will delight in this musical treasure.
Retro Rebecca took this opportunity to ask vocalist Valerie Day some questions about her musical career with Nu Shooz.
Rebecca: "Nu Shooz rode the rollercoaster of success during the 1980's. What was your favorite part of your rise and fall in the music industry?"
Valerie: "After playing in clubs in relative obscurity for seven years, it felt GREAT to have people become familiar with the band and the songs on the radio. People STILL sing us bits of songs when they figure out who we are (or use to be). That we are so embedded in their musical memories is an amazing thing - one we are astounded by and grateful for."
Rebecca: "Was it the touring and traveling? Or maybe hearing your songs on the radio?"
Valerie: "One of my favorite memories is of the first time I heard the song I Can't Wait on the radio - alone in my car. It was a beautiful spring day in Portland OR, and I had the windows rolled down to catch a breeze. ICW came on and I started to sing along. Suddenly I realized that I was singing along to MYSELF on the radio! I felt like screaming to the other motorists as they drove past me - HEY!!! That's me! That my band you're hearing on the radio!! Listen!! It was such a blast. Such a defining moment."
Luckily for Nu Shooz, their audience has matured and their musical interests have varied over the years as well. This duo has plenty of talent and eclectic charm to keep listeners interested. You can listen to the new songs on Pandora's Box on Nu Shooz Orchestra's website: http://www.nushoozmusic.com/
In addition to John and Valerie, Nu Shooz Orchestra's current band members include:
Dennis Caiazza on bass
Gary Hobbs on drums
Mike Horsfall on vibes
Paul Mazzio on trumpet and flugel horn
Tim Jensen on saxophones and flute
Lars Campbell on the trombone
Justin Kagan on the cello
Skip von Kuske on the cello
Comments