In 2006 the new Dutch jazz pop band Room Eleven released its first CD, entitled Six White Russians And A Pink Pussycat. After a somewhat slow start this album had unprecedented success. In the Netherlands it reached platinum status and it also attracted international attention. For the successor, singer Janne Schra asked the renowned American folk singer Dayna Kurtz for a guest appearance. She was
… so enthusiastic that she immediately took over the entire production, together with musical partner Randy Crafton. That means that Mmm… Gumbo ?, compared to the first album, shows more elements of roots / americana and folk in swing songs, a tango and even a waltz. But the frivolous jazz pop has also remained and even reinforced here and there with the use of a big band. Gumbo is a Louisiana dish that Kurtz served the band during the recording sessions in the US. It also offers a nice metaphor for the music of Room Eleven: despite the fact that it contains exotic ingredients and has a spicy taste, it smacks (according to Schra) like decent Dutch pea soup. (HB)more
