The Randy Oxford Band

It Feels Good
Figgleblall Records

 Every time I turn around it seems that Randy Oxford has a handful of new players in his band and the funny thing about it all is they keep sounding more impressive every time out. This new band features Randy on trombone of course, and the incredible Amy Jada is back on vocals, but stellar guitar players Randy Norris and Manuel Morais add their own unique blends, Richard Sabol is his animal self tearing up the drums, and they’ve enlisted the energetic Polly O’Keary, formerly of Too Slim & The Taildraggers, to fill in with the bass lines. Each of the guitarists, Jada and Polly are all accomplished songwriters, too.  Also appearing on the recording is percussionist L.A. Smith and bassist Farko Dusomov who have both played with the Oxford Band in the past. The individual musicians each have their own unique sound and this makes the Randy Oxford Band even more exciting as they can come at you in various directions and they’re all entertaining and top notch.

This blend of varying styles is showcased quite nicely in the latest CD from the band titled It Feels Good. Randy’s trombone is also at the forefront with the band and the album starts out with a quick run on his horn. But more than ever before this is an ensemble that can fill any of the others’ material and it works seemingly effortlessly. Morais, Norris, Amy and O’Keary each have written at least a couple tracks apiece on the disc, with the lone cover being Paul Simon’s “One Trick Pony.” Even that cover sounds like it was meant to be played by this group, they nail it precisely. Each of the numbers can be deemed highlights on It Feels Good, from Jada Amy’s steamy “Leave Me Alone,” Randy Norris’ burning and rocking piece “Run Over,  Polly O’Keary’s  fast-paced “How Come You’re Never Here (When I Come Home)” and the Spanish inflected guitar of Manuel Morais’ emotional “Your Love.” So many directions and all done so well.

It Feels Good is a crowning achievement by the Randy Oxford Band. With a line-up of some of the best players in the Northwest, this is a winning combination and the results are clear. It Feels Good is not only the title, it is a fitting title. That’s how this new music will come across and make you feel, too.

Total Time: 55:53

Trouble / Full Moon Rising / The Loudest Thing / When You’re Gone / One Trick Pony / Run Over / Leave Me Alone / Your Love / How Come You’re Never Here (When I Get Home) / I Believed