Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

Waking up very early to listen to Octobop’s latest CD Very Early seems a definite possibility; it offers just the right mix of both upbeat and soothing jazz tunes. Octobop’s catchy beats beckon both jazz lovers and those simply looking for some good tunes with both their original and familiar sounds.

It is easy to find a song on Very Early to match many of your moods. Whether you want a song to dance to, to study to, or to relax to, I assure you it can be found on this album. Very Early is Octobop's fourth release... referring to their music correctly as “cool jazz,” the band aims to draw inspiration from legendary jazz musicians. Their goal is to continue to deliver that smooth and classic sound that so many love to hear. They seem to be doing a pretty good job, seeing that this one has spent ten weeks in the top ten on the CMJ jazz chart.

While Octobop is generally considered to be a West Coast band, the band members include eight men from all over the country. It would be safe to say that their musical talent and unshakable passion to continue the genre of jazz served to unite them together. So, it is never too early to check out the album Very Early and take in the lush jazz rhythms.