Acid jazz, or R&B mixed with jazz and a touch of hip-hop, continues to command a cult-like following.  Artists such as Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies, the James Taylor Quartet (not to be confused with the “Sweet Baby James” singer), and Incognito popularized the movement in the 90s, achieving moderate success (at least in the United States).  Another group, BSTC, joins this list with their debut, Music for a Saturday Evening.  While the album’s quality fluctuates, it makes for a pleasant soundtrack for a relaxing evening or cocktail party.

BSTC stands for BlackStone Theater Collective, a reference to Chicago’s BlackStone Theater, home to many house music parties in the 80s.  The group is the brainchild of Chicago producer Andy C, who has worked with Patrice Rushen, Ramsey Lewis, Janet Jackson, and Mary J. Blige.  Assembling studio veterans such as vocalist Keanna Johnson and multi-instrumentalist Tunji, Andy C's goal, according to BSTC’s MySpace site, is to pay homage to the group’s house music roots as well as incorporate numerous other influences to create a unique sound. 

BSTC fares best with uptempo numbers like “Love It,” dominated by a catchy shuffle beat that draws you to the dance floor, and “Get It,” a solid R&B dance song featuring Johnson’s sultry vocals.  Johnson’s energy boosts songs like “Fresh Love,” which could have been a nondescript contemporary urban number if not for her vocals.  Her singing on this album should earn her a solo career, although her voice works quite well in the band’s setting.  The midtempo “Love and Lust,” with smooth vocals by Russoul, sounds like an outtake from John Legend’s latest release Evolver.  Horns buried in the mix give it a 70s feel. 

Music for a Saturday Evening boasts instrumentals as well, many of them using organs and swirling synthesizer effects, lending an almost psychedelic aura.  Interestingly the group covers “Agua de Beber,” although their version will not make you forget Antonio Carlos Jobim’s original.  Less effective are lengthy jams such as “Suffering and Smiling,” “Forty Five Days,” and “Jazz in Outspace,” which clock in at over six minutes each.  While they serve as pleasant background music, they do not stay in the listener’s memory.

The most fascinating track on the CD, “Mr. AC,” shows their ability to play straightforward jazz.   BSTC should record future albums dedicated to jazz; while they play acid jazz well, their improvisational techniques and horn solos are impressive.  While BSTC remains committed to producing material that defies easy categorization, an all-traditional jazz album would definitely showcase the group’s vast musical chops. 

Overall, it took a few listens before I decided that I liked much of Music for a Saturday Evening.  Perhaps the album is not meant for simply sitting and listening intently to the music; after all, the album’s title suggests that it’s meant as a soundtrack for dancing or just relaxing.  While BSTC accomplishes that goal, it would be worthwhile for them to further explore traditional jazz in future releases.