Yuka, Dreamscape Review

Yuka is a Toronto soul band that has been packing dance floors since its formation in 2006. Yuka is Fronted by the charismatic powerhouse vocalist Claire Doyle that is backed by a seven-piece ensemble. A vibrant horn section of trumpet and tenor saxophone and a groove-solid rhythm section of keyboards, guitar, bass and drums keeps the energy and sounds full and popping. Yuka is comprised of Claire Doyle (vocals), James Taylor (guitar), Patric McGroarty (trumpet), Ben MacDonald (tenor saxophone), Todd Pentney (keyboad), Scott McCannell (bass), and Santino de Villa (drums). Though deeply entrenched in the classic soul sounds of Stax Records (Memphis) and Motown (Detroit), Yuka brings a fresh, contemporary twist to the genre with their original repertoire and innovative arrangements of well-known funk and pop standards. Regarded as one of the best live acts coming out of Toronto, Yuka packs a punch in their spirited live performances. They have shared the stage with the Dap-Kings, Lee Fields and the Expressions, Treme Brass Band, and The Soul Jazz Orchestra. Yuka’s is now offering their third album titled Dreamscape. The album transports the listener to another place and time, undeniably influenced by the likes of 60’s funk heavy weights James Brown to The Meters. Dreamscape is the first time Yuka has entirely turned the spotlight to lead singer Doyle’s dynamic and gutsy vocals, their previous two albums being mainly instrumental affairs.

 Positives:  Well-written tunes, great playing and solid singing.

 Bottom Line:  Dreamscape presents eleven tracks of high energy music. For the core creation of each song, guitarist and main songwriter James Taylor explains the band’s process, “All the songs were either written by myself or Scott, with Claire contributing lyrics. I’ll come up with an idea for a song and the band brings it to life in rehearsal and we settle on an arrangement together. What starts as an individual pursuit, ends up being quite collaborative. It’s great when you can play music with your friends, try to come up with something special, and mostly succeed at it.” Dreamscape was self-produced and recorded to tape by band members Scott McCannell and Patric McGroary at Magnephonic Records and St. Clarens Studios; “All the tracks were recorded on tape because we wanted this record to have a bit more of an old school vibe a’la Stax and Motown. No computers were harmed in this recording!” jokes Taylor. The album’s guest musicians is impressive, including saxophonist Yvonne Moire (The Arkells) and percussionist Juan Carlos Medrano (Jesse Cook) and vocalist Joanna Mohommad (APHROSE). “Ruins” opens the album with a hip groove, funky guitar, muted horns and Doyle’s singing adding the icing. “Lying” takes the James Brown and Motown sound to heart with the feel and overall approach. The horn orchestration is full, and the band hits are together. “Women It’s Time” is a positive, catchy feminist song that is delivered with heart by Doyle. The horns and organ really kicks this tune into a new dimension. Overall, Dreamscape is a fun listen that has a groove any music lover can appreciate and enjoy. That’s the short of it!

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