CD REVIEW: Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester – Eine Nacht in Berlin

I’ll be honest, not speaking German, this dapper looking gent on his bicycle could well be insulting me and I would have no idea.

Max Raabe does however sound rather jolly and the music of the Palast Orchester bounces along with such joy that even if he is insulting me, it sounds all rather lovely!

Entitled Eine Nacht in Berlin - it reminds you of the 1920s, all dapper suits, brylcreem-ed hair and big bands. A simpler time perhaps when oompah music, swing and jazz were all the rage and there were no smartphones in sight. It would work really well as a film soundtrack - maybe a black and white film with a dashing hero and heroine in.

There’s no denying he has a good voice, at times gentle and soaring and at times keeping up in tone and vivacity with his band.

There are two tracks in English - Speak Low and I Won't Dance - proving once again what a smooth voice Mr Raabe has.

But it's on the bouncy oompah tracks like Marie, Marie that you feel the band is having the most fun.

If you are after something a bit different, like your oompah and big band, or just enjoy music with a vintage renaissance feel, this could be just the thing for you.