Here we are, almost three years down the track, and FINALLY a new Kokomo CD! As curmudgeonly as that 'FINALLY” may be, I figured I'd divest myself of that wee piece of petulance front-end, so as to rid myself of the frustration of having waited so long for what is the latest, stonkingly good, instalment from the musical genius that is Kokomo.

This, for me, is full-fat Kokomo - Derek Jacombs, Nigel Masters, Grant and Sonia Bullot, Mike Kirk and Ian 'Beano” Gilpin - masterfully delivering an all-original set of Texas ragged-up swing blues, each track seasoned with musical bents best suited to the wonderfully engaging story being told.

The musicianship exhibited on this CD is exceptional. Each of the players are masters in their own right - as is easily confirmed by listening to their contributions on the myriad of side projects they involve themselves in - but together in the Kokomo collective, sublime! Here is a band that is truly that: a band. No prima donnas shouting 'look at me”; rather an ensemble of highly skilled musicians working together to create a whole that marvellously exceeds the sum of the parts.

As for the compositions... for me, this is the best I've heard from Mr Jacombs thus far, eight being Jacombs originals, the remaining two being co-writes, one with Grant Bullot, one with John Michaelz. Quietly sly, sepia-toned, blues-burned word pictures that transport and beguile (to the point I could see Lightnin' beaming me a roguish gold tooth grin from across the bar-room). Just brilliant!

If you have any interest in or affinity for the blues, nay more-so: if you have a love of and appreciation for great music, then this is for you!

Bigger Than Brando is available from www.kokomo.co.nz, music shops, or for download on i-Tunes and the usual places. Kokomo play the Papamoa Tavern, 2.30pm Sunday 14 September.