EP · 2014

Curtains Half Open

Five brighter, bouncier songs about daytime nerve, written between late sets.

Tracks

1. Crossword at the CounterTwo coffees, a puzzle and the rain. The most domestic song we've ever recorded, and I love it for that.cafe jazz, vocal jazz3:25
2. Nothing's Wrong and I'm SmilingA rare song where I just admit I'm happy. Theo laughed through the whole first take.sunny jazz, easy listening2:35
3. Keep the Lamp TurningCounting steps up a tower at midnight, with a little more drive than we usually allow ourselves. It still doesn't raise its voice.lounge pop, big-band jazz2:58
4. The Busker Under the ClockA busker under the station clock at five, opening his case like a shopkeeper. Somebody's got to open the day.groove jazz, lounge pop2:48
5. Walk Like You Own the MidnightCollar up, shoulders back, streetlights on your side. A strut, but a very slow one.smooth jazz-pop, crooner swing3:46

Liner notes

After the first record found its quiet audience, we got a little brave. These five came out in the afternoons, with the sun still up and Theo's mallets sounding almost cheerful. We kept the tempos gentle, of course; we just let a little more light in through the curtains. Think of it as the quartet stepping out for some air before heading back inside. - Marcus

Marcus Bell Quartet