SOILED MATTRESS & THE SPRINGS - springtime LP

Some seriously easy listening jazz manoeuvres from this unexpectedly laidback swingtime trio. With a name like that you might expect the group to occupy the more abrasive end of the jazz/improv spectrum, but in fact these apparently un-improvised workouts are rather lounge-friendly, and in no small way tongue-in cheek. There's some genuinely addictive material on here though, loaded with hooks and an almost punk-styled approach to melodic simplicity. 'Tidal Wave' and 'Cherry On Top' are just great pop tunes, except they're arranged for sax, keyboards and drums. Extremely pleasing.