Album Review—Keep On Movin’

Where Big Band Nostalgia Meets Modern Exuberance – A Review of Meegan & Tobin’s Keep On Movin’

In Keep On Movin’, Emmy Award-winning vocalist and composer Jeff Meegan and BAFTA-affiliated composer and orchestrator David Tobin revive a glorious era of sound while infusing it with the spirit of today. Their latest offering is a radiant homage to the big band tradition, echoing the golden age of the Great American Songbook while boldly embracing modern flair. The album bursts with the vibrancy of live brass, sweeping rhythms, and a sense of unrestrained joy that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Crafted with the help of renowned arrangers Callum Au, Martin Williams, and Charley Harrison, the album celebrates the finesse of orchestral swing in a modern production landscape often dominated by digital precision. The result is music that is human, lively, authentic, and irresistible to any music lover.

A Sound Rooted in Tradition, Alive in the Present

My listening of these tracks makes me feel that Keep On Movin’ is a testament to the timeless vitality of jazz and big band music. From the buoyant “On Top of the World” to the dance-floor spark of “Dance,” the album creates an emotional arc that mirrors the pulse of optimism, resilience, and musical craftsmanship. Recorded live at the legendary Abbey Road Studio 2, the project features no samples or pre-recorded tricks—just real musicians captured in real time. As a result, the record feels alive in every note, brimming with the warmth of shared performance. Immersed in the tracks, listeners unconsciously tap their feet, close their eyes, and feel part of a musical conversation across generations.

A Legacy of Excellence and Collaboration

Jeff Meegan and David Tobin are no strangers to excellence. Together, they have created over a thousand works spanning pop, jazz, funk, classical, and cinematic scores. Their compositions have reached global audiences through television series such as This Is Us, Fleabag, The Equalizer, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and A Million Little Things. Their ability to blend narrative emotion with sophisticated soundscapes has made them a trusted name in the world of sync and film music. Meegan’s Daytime Emmy win in 2022, shared with Brad Hatfield and Gaye Tolan Hatfield, further consolidates his reputation as a composer whose work carries emotional clarity and artistic depth. Keep On Movin’ continues this legacy, standing as both a culmination and a new chapter in their journey, demonstrating the artists’ deep respect for tradition and their rare ability to make it resonate in the present.

Track Highlights: A Journey Through Rhythm, Emotion, and Craft

Track 1 – “Who’d Have Believed” (2:44)

“Who’d Have Believed” is an elegant curtain-raiser that sets the tone for the musical journey ahead. The arrangement shines with a perfect balance of brass sparkle and vocal charm. The effortless swing of the melodies draws listeners into the big band world that Meegan and Tobin have crafted with meticulous skill. The song’s romantic accent and classic polish evoke Sinatra’s gentler moments, while its energy remains firmly aligned with contemporary trends.

Track 2 – “On Top of the World” (3:24)

Brimming with optimism, this track is pure sunlight in musical form. Its rhythmic clarity and brass-led crescendos celebrate the joy of being alive and in motion. The vocal performances, especially Sara Niemietz’s radiant presence, give it a cinematic flair. “On Top of the World” perfectly encapsulates the duo’s creative vision to make music that feels both timeless and current.

Track 3 – “No Getting Over You” (3:04)

This song introduces a tender emotional contrast, showing that big band can sync with the heart’s cherished emotions while also dazzling with energy. We find a classic ballad sensibility in these tracks, beautifully shaped by a lush orchestral setting. The melody rings into our ears for so long, reminding us of the subtle melancholy which gives the album its emotional range.

Track 4 – “It’s a Marvelous Life” (3:43)

I found “It’s A Marvelous Life” to be the centerpiece of the album, both musically and emotionally. The track embodies the radiant optimism that sets Keep On Movin’ apart. Its title declares joy, while the sophisticated, full-bodied arrangements—with sharp brass interplay and scintillating rhythms—keep the swing alive. One can easily imagine this track lighting up a dance floor or closing a grand concert with flair and style.

Track 5 – “Keep On Movin’” (3:00)

Capturing the heart of the album, this track is a call to resilience, rhythm, and forward motion. Its message, wrapped in melody, reminds listeners that music thrives in motion. Meegan’s vocals soar with purpose, while the live band’s interplay gives the track a kinetic quality rarely achieved in digital productions. As the horns burst in jubilant harmony, the listener experiences a genuine, unpretentious optimism.

Track 6 – “Memories in the Sky” (3:23)

“Memories in the Sky” invites listeners into a more reflective space. The song glides gently through waves of nostalgia, beautifully layered with strings and mellow brass. It showcases the duo’s sensitivity to emotional pacing within the album. Following the pulse of the previous tracks, this piece offers a moment of introspection, like bathing an old photograph in sunlight.

Track 7 – “Dance” (3:18)

This track is a pure burst of joyous rhythm, and “Dance” lives up to its name completely. The energy of the arrangement is infectious, anchored by classic swing, making it a standout on the album. The exuberant yet polished song reminds listeners why big band music once ruled dance halls around the world. The performers’ chemistry is a key factor, as every beat feels spontaneous and alive.

Track 8 – “The Thirst” (2:47)

Closing the album with style, “The Thirst” is a brisk, bright, and bold celebration of masterful craftsmanship and musical accomplishment. The crisp articulation of the brass sections is stunning, while the rhythm section drives the song forward with a modern pulse. This track serves as a perfect closer, clearly reflecting the album’s overarching theme of joy in movement and vitality in sound.

Take Away

Feeling like a revival of big band swing, Keep On Movin’ is a potent affirmation of music’s enduring power to uplift the human spirit. Listening to it feels like stepping into a mesmerizing dream of rhythm, melody, and camaraderie, where every note carries both history and hope. In this album, Meegan & Tobin have created a work of rare stature that not only honors the artistry of the past but reinvigorates it for today’s audiences. For anyone who believes that genuine musicianship still has a place in modern production, this record stands as undeniable proof.