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Shuffle Demons: Are You Really Real

By Pierre Giroux
May 27, 2025
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There is a unique brand of musical madness that only the Shuffle Demons can conjure—a whirlwind of saxophones, humour, groove and a palpable sense of daring. With Are You Really Real, this storied Canadian outfit delivers a recording that captures the very essence of what made them both a cult favourite and respected presence on the international jazz scene. Bristling with invention, personality and raw performance energy, the album feels like a live set caught in a studio net—exhilarating, unfiltered and unmistakably Shuffle Demons.

The 13 original tracks are all compositions by the band members which include

Richard Underhill

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Richard Underhill alto and baritone sax,

Kelly Jefferson

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Kelly Jefferson tenor sax,

Matt Lagan

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Lagan tenor sax,

Mike Downes

bass
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Mike Downes acoustic and electric bass and

Stich Wynston

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Stich Wynston drums. They deliver a stylistic sprawl that is as fearless as it is fun. It defines the band's identity—fiercely rhythmic, gleefully irreverent, anchored in razor-sharp musicianship. The title track "Are You Really Real" pivots to a rap-style vocal by Underhill, one of the co-founders of the group and its primary composer, writing seven of the numbers. The tune has a probing melody and undercurrents, revealing the band's compositional depth beyond the theatrics. "Good Mourning" (not "Morning") is a bright, punchy number that might suggest how

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk could have written a children's TV jingle.

Underhill presents a fine satirical line with biting rap-infused lyrics on "Money Is My Only Religion." Its gritty blues-funk feel showcases the group's political edge and ability to twist genre conventions into something fresh and immediate. The joyful cacophony continues with "Sunny Side Up," filled with punchy melodic hooks and pulsing with positivity. Following on is "Prism," which finds the band in a musically expansive frame. With layered saxophone textures and featuring a lengthy bass solo from Downes, the number evokes a kaleidoscope of moods.

The closer is "Run The World," which is pure Shuffle Demons—funky, assertive and unapologetically audacious. The number is a rallying cry for creative freedom, with Underhill delivering a fierce alto solo as Wynston provides propulsive coverage on the drum kit. The album is a celebration of the sound of a band fully in command of its singular voice.

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Track Listing

X Marks The Spot; Out To Sea; Are You Really Real; Bottom Dollar; Ride The Wave; Good Mourning; Money Is My Only Religion; Scala Rosa; Sunny Side Up; Prism; In The Air; Nice Signal; Run The World.

Personnel

Shuffle Demons

band / ensemble / orchestra

Richard Underhill

saxophone, alto

Kelly Jefferson

saxophone, tenor

Matt Lagan

saxophone

Mike Downes

bass

Stich Wynston

drums

Album information

Title: Are You Really Real | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Alma Records

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