Review: The Alex Santos Orchestra is a self-described "orchestra" orchestrated for the express purpose of sanctifying one Alex Santos' lifelong love for jazz and Latin music. Following the much loved 'Alex Santos Y Su Orquesta', 2021's next step in Latinizing said quasi-conceptual ensemble, we've now landed in the project's live ambit. 'The Alex Santos Orchestra On Tour' captures just two live highlights from a much more recent outing (given the mystification surrounding the project, this may or may not have happened). Whatever the case, these recordings span both potentialities, retaining something of a highly-strung Hammond organ come upfront-drumkit drama on the B-side, 'Mr Clean', and an equally stirring version of the main theme from 'The Godfather' on the A.
Review: As reliable as rain on a British summer day, Original Gravity is back with more brilliance from the world of funk here in the form of a pair of different versions of the same original tune, 'Burning Spear', on one heavily limited edition 7".Nestor Alvarez kicks things off with a sunny, Latin-tinged sound that is high on fluttery flute energy with some nice raw drums and dancing keys below. La Machine D'Argent smooths things out just a touch and layers in some more spaced-out sounds to make it a header excursion into funk.
Review: Mike Bandoni returns with Crate Breaks Vol 6, the latest installment in his renowned series. This record is a great tool for adventurous DJs, featuring eight drum fills perfect for slicing into mixes. Each side of the album offers a rich array of segments to elevate any set. Side-1 includes the breaks named 'Diggin In The Pit,' 'Dream State,' 'Hold Fire,' and 'Swing By,' while Side-2 boasts 'Love Scheme,' 'Space Kool Moon Dance,' 'Party,' and 'It's Still Good.' As you can see from the names, these are sure to get the party going. True to its Funk genre roots, this release from Drumstream is ideal for DJs seeking fresh, phat drum segments.
Review: Edwin Birdsong's self-titled album was originally released in 1978 on Philadelphia International Records and very much captured the spirit of the great disco era. By then, Birdsong was already a significant figure at the cult label having proven himself as both a songwriter and producer. The album features several tracks that became dance floor staples such as 'Cola Bottle Baby,' 'Kunta Dance' and 'Goldmine,' each packed with infectious funk grooves perfect for partying. Famously, 'Cola Bottle Baby' was later sampled by Daft Punk in their smash hit 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger'. Although the album didn't chart, it remains a prized find for disco and soul heads.
Review: Timmion Records presents the debut 7" vinyl single from Bronze, Silver & Brass, an eight-piece brass ensemble making waves with 'Conrad's Lesson' b/w 'Ward to Ward'. This release offers two spectacular tracks showing the group's influences from soulful stage band music to New Orleans street funk. On Side-1 'Conrad's Lesson' features a pulsing midtempo groove, driven by funky drums and mellow horn melodies. On Side-2 'Ward to Ward,' delivers upbeat New Orleans second line funk, brimming with syncopated beats and spirited horn arrangements, capturing the essence of celebration and joy. Inspired by the soulful sounds of the Kashmere Stage Band and Curtis Mayfield, as well as contemporary brass trailblazers like Young Blood Brass Band and Hot 8 Brass Band, Bronze, Silver & Brass blends these influences into a unique and infectious sound. Their debut single invites listeners to celebrate the rich heritage of brass music while keeping it severely funky. Get ready to march to the rhythms of Bronze, Silver & Brass.
Review: Bronze, Silver & Brass is an eight-piece brass ensemble set to make a splash with their debut 7" vinyl single, 'Conrad's Lesson' b/w 'Ward to Ward.' This exciting release presents two exceptional tracks that highlight the group's deep roots in soulful stage band music and vibrant New Orleans street funk. On Side-1, 'Conrad's Lesson' is a grooving midtempo rhythm, anchored by funky drums and enriched with smooth, mellow horn lines. On Side-2, 'Ward to Ward,' brings the upbeat energy of New Orleans second line funk, capturing the essence of celebration with its syncopated beats and lively brass arrangements. Drawing inspiration from legends like the Kashmere Stage Band and Curtis Mayfield, as well as contemporary influences such as Young Blood Brass Band and Hot 8 Brass Band, Bronze, Silver & Brass craft a musical blend that radiates passion and authenticity. This debut single invites listeners to embrace the rich traditions of brass music while keeping the groove irresistibly funky. Prepare to be swept away by the infectious rhythms of Bronze, Silver & Brass.
Review: Brute Force was a unique jazz-funk group that released their only album in 1970 on Mann's Embryo label and had it produced by the legendary Herbie Mann. They bridged the gap between heavy rhythm and blues and the emerging jazz-rock revolution led by Miles Davis and their connection to Mann was strengthened by the inclusion of guitarist Sonny Sharrock, who played on the album's first half while also part of Mann's supergroup. Featuring Richard Daniel's distinctive electric piano and his trumpet-playing brother Ted, who went on later to become a key figure in New York's downtown jazz scene, this one has a captivating and timeless atmosphere to this day.
Review: Colin Curtis - an early purveyor of rare groove and jazzdance whose credo rings far and wide - has been helming his own label of originals for some time now. Presently focusing on the best live-feel broken beat, house and jazz in his orbit, his latest curation, Cengiz and Ishfaq's 'Vibrations', is no break from this general rule. Each artist helming one side respectively, Cengiz' 'Motf' and its remix work a steadily built progression around faint jeers, metallic percs, filterpassed tom fills and space-age risers, the latter of which is much more skeletal than the former; while Ishfaq's 'Wonderjazz' moves impressively somewhere in the lost interregnum between speed garage and techfunk.
Review: LRK Records proudly presents their latest limited edition 45, featuring Dylan Chambers with the tracks 'I Can Never Get Enough' and 'Comin' Up' (LRK-28). Hailing from Arlington, TX, Chambers is a talented vintage pop, R&B, and soul artist known for his smooth vocals and guitar laent. After opting out of Berklee College of Music, Dylan moved to Los Angeles, where he built an impressive career, sharing the stage with artists like Haley Reinhart, Gavin DeGraw, and Three Dog Night. 'I Can Never Get Enough' is exactly what many Soul music fans look for in vintage production and vocal talent. With a great flip side to balance it,this 45 is great for fans of contemporary soul with a nostalgic twist.
Review: Robert Chandler's Experience My Love is a soulful gem that's been resurrected from obscurity. Originally released in 1986 on a rare white label by DJ Smokey Joe, the track quickly became a coveted collector's item, with only a handful of copies ever circulating. Produced by Steve Slavin, the single boasts a smooth, infectious groove and top-tier production that encapsulates the essence of 1980s soul. Featured on Side-1, Chandler's rich, emotive vocals, delivering a love song that resonates with warmth and sincerity. On Side-2 is the instrumental version, allowing the lush arrangement to shine on its own. This limited 7" reissue is a long-overdue revival of a track that never got the wide release it deserved. Rare groove and Soul fans should be excited about this one!
Review: Active since the late 80s, DJ Yoshizawa Dynamite is a celebrated DJ, remixer, compiler, and producer in Japan. An avid record collector and Wamono expert, he published the sold-out Wamono A to Z records guide in 2015, revealing rare Japanese groove records. DJ Chintam, a member of the Dayjam Crew and specialist in soul, funk, rare groove, and disco, opened Blow Up shop in Shibuya in 2018. Together, they created the Wamono A to Z guide. In this second volume of the Wamono series, Yoshizawa and Chintam showcase the best and rarest seventies' Japanese jazz, funk, soul, rare groove, and disco tunes.
Equipe Radio Cidade - "Bons Tempo Sao Paulo (Good Times)" (3:38)
Review: Sandra de Sa's 'Olhos Coloridos' and Equipe Radio Cidade's 'Bons Tempos Sao Paulo' bring vibrant Brazilian boogie back to life in this remastered reissue from Mr Bongo's Brazil 45's series. Sandra de Sa's track, from her 1982 self-titled LP, is a brilliant example of '80s MPB and boogie, featuring the iconic collaboration of Lincoln Olivetti, Robson Jorge, and members from Banda Black Rio. Funky basslines, dreamy Rhodes and jubilant horns complement Sa's outstanding vocals, making it a joyous, danceable piece reminiscent of Tim Maia and Marcos Valle's best. On Side-2, Equipe Radio Cidade's 'Bons Tempos Sao Paulo' transforms Chic's 'Good Times' into a Brazilian boogie delight. Originally a rare promo-only release from 1980, this version infuses the classic melody with samba rhythms, clavinet grooves, and cuica percussion breaks. Voiced by Sao Paulo radio DJs with festive greetings, it adds a unique local flavour to the familiar tune, reminiscent of the era's vibrant Brazilian music scene.
Review: Delegation is a British soul, funk, and disco band known for their success across Europe, though they remained relatively under the radar in the U.S. Formed in 1975 by Jamaican singer Ricky Bailey, the group's music quickly gained traction with their first single, 'The Promise of Love' and follow up 'Where Is the Love We Used to Know' became a hit in Britain. Despite frequent lineup changes, Bailey was a consistent member throughout as the band recorded much of their music in London, including their popular Eau de Vie album in 1979. The band continued to evolve until the early 1990s and put out new music back in 20121. This is a comprehensive Best Of across two sides of coloured vinyl.
Review: We're not going to tell you who is behind the Divine Who project, though if you have a working knowledge about gospel disco DJs and nu-disco producers, you can probably join the dots. Either way, their self-titled gospel rework series is genuinely top-drawer. After a couple of tidy 12" singles they offer up a seven-inch for the first time. A-side 'Weekend (Dubbed Out Mix)' takes a squelchy, joyous and infectious mid-80s electrofunk-gospel number - and subtly touches it up and even more subtly dubs it out for modern dancefloors. On 'Forget Me Nots', they deliver their altar-ation (sorry) of an exquisitely soulful, tactile and loved-up cover version of Patrice Rushen favourite 'Forget-me-Nots' complete with a killer slap-bass breakdown.
Review: Featured on this new white 7" are three separate and equally essential "redrums" from the soundtrack of Belly. They are great works from DJ A L starting with the slow motion and seductive claps and beats of 'Back 2 Life (Impreach edit with intro)' then cruising into the 'Back 2 Life' (Re-Drum-Apella) with more knowing beats and prominent snares, then last of all is 'Devilz Pie' (Re-Drum-Apella) which is lo-fi and lovably loved up thanks to the D'Angelo vocal up top.
Up From The Sea It Arose & Ate Rio In One Swift Bite
Sweet Baby (CD3)
Never Judge A Cover By It's Book
I Just Want To Love You
Finding My Way
Wild Dog
Winners
Shine On
Positive Energy
Dream On
Ride On Love
I Will Always Be Your Friend
You
Overture
Light
Reach Out
Celebrate
Give Me Your Love
Born To Love You
Heroes
Secret Rendezvous
Take It On (CD4)
Got To Get Back To Love
Thief In The Night (vocal remix)
Jam
La La
Stand With Your Man
Island Girl
The Morning, You & Love
Broken Glass
Good Friend
Love Ballad
Brazilian Coffee
Say Hello
Rise Up
Guilty
C’est La Vie
560 SL
Keeping Love Alive (CD5)
Snapshot
No Rhyme No Reason
6 O’clock
Genesis
500 Miles To Go
Illusions
Love Can Be So Cold
Mothership Connection (Star Child)
It’s Our World
Fill The Need
Is Love Enough
Rush Hour/Road Rage
From Dusk To Dawn
If You Will (feat Flora Purim)
Review: The comprehensive five-CD set celebrating George Duke's illustrious solo career from 1977 to 2000 is a treasure box for fans and newcomers alike. Encompassing his prolific years with Epic Records and Warner Brothers, this collection features 87 tracks that showcase Duke's unparalleled versatility across genres. From funky hits like 'Dukey Stick' and 'Say That You Will' to the soulful grooves of 'Shine On' and the infectious rhythms of 'Sweet Baby' from the Clarke/Duke Project, every facet of Duke's musical genius shines through. Included are standout tracks from his Elektra Records era, including highlights from albums like 'Thief In The Night' and his self-titled 1986 release. Duke's ability to effortlessly traverse jazz, funk, soul and beyond shows his innovation in music. With insightful sleeve notes by journalist Charles Waring, this collection pays homage to Duke's legacy as a virtuoso who defied genre boundaries and left an indelible mark on the music world. His passing in 2013 marked the end of an era, but his music ensures that his influence will endure for generations to come.
Review: Yuima Enya & Inokashira Rangers offer fresh takes on classic Sade tracks with their new release. 'Smooth Operator' transforms into a smoothed-out lounge record infused with reggae, while still retaining the soul and pop appeal of the original. On Side-2, 'Kiss of Life,' becomes a breezy jam with a subdued yet vibrant lounge band feel. Hats off to them for tackling such beloved songs and making them their own. These are great alternative versions, bringing new life to Sade's classics while respecting the originals. Perfect for fans looking to experience these timeless tracks in a new light.
Review: On his latest EP 'Sunday Soul', Goodge takes listeners on a four-track journey into the many-chambered heart of funk, r&b, jazz and chillout. From the starting gun, we're hit with whammied axes and street-level audio-bustles, recalling the many exploitation movie soundtracks of the seventies and chic funkouts of yore. Then 'Promised Land' provides a gradual uplift, riffing around and about a lolling bass, as said guitars increase in intensity; this is then followed by 'Sunday Soul', which seizes upon the day of rest with a continued drive (of course, in today's world, no day is safe). Finally, 'Within Myself' ends things on a note of introspection, crafting an internal dialogue of cloudy synth fuggings set against a dust-cloud of instrumentation.
Nuit De Fievre (Pellegrino Nottata Stellata remix) (5:08)
Review: Be Strong Be Free's 7" series is on fire this year and now comes back with a third instalment. It is 'Nuit De Fievre' and it comes from label owner Gratts, aka the "Belgian down under," who revisits disco's golden era by assembling a stellar studio team starring the Moody Mae band in the company of Reinhard Vanbergen on violin and Jaj from Paris on vocals. What they cook up in return is elegant boogie and disco that will chime well with fans of Dimitri From Paris. The B-side features Pellegrino's jazz-funk rendition, adding Mediterranean flair straight from Vesuvius. Both sides promise deliciously uplifting grooves for any disco enthusiast.
Review: The Harlem Gospel Travelers' new album, Rhapsody, is a vibrant exploration of the diverse musical influences that shaped their sound. Released on limited edition Rhapsody Swirl Vinyl with gold foil stamping on the cover, this album is ideal for collectors or those looking for something special. Vocalists Ifedayo Gatling, Dennis Bailey, and George Marage delve into the 1960s era when gospel began incorporating soul and funk elements. Inspired by Numero Group's 2006 release, Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal, the album reinterprets gospel funk tracks with their unique flair, from the high-energy 'God's Been Good to Me' to the hip-hop-inflected 'Get Involved.' Having gained acclaim with their debut, He's On Time (2019), and their 2021 follow-up, Look Up!, the trio, guided by mentor Eli "Paperboy" Reed, continues to push boundaries. Rhapsody is both a nod to the past and a bold step forward, blurring genre lines and redefining gospel music. The balance of traditional gospel while fusing newer genres with it is nothing short of breathtaking.
Review: Rhapsody, the Harlem Gospel Travelers' third studio album, was inspired by a request from the band's friend and mentor, Eli "Paperboy" Reed to record some covers of classic and lesser-known gospel-funk songs from the mid-to-late 1960s and early 1970s. Naturally, the New York based trio have put their own spin on the material, offering nods to hip-hop, stomping soul (see the genuinely terrific 'Somebody's Watching You'), doo-wop ('How Can I Lose', with its infectious vocal harmonies and irresistible hand-clap rhythm) and heady slow hams ('Have You Tried Jesus', the squelchy, hip-hop-soul flavoured 'Searching For The Truth'). It's a superb set all told, with the group's impeccable vocals rising high above brilliantly realised and expressively played instrumental backing tracks.
Review: The Harlem Gospel Travelers' new album, Rhapsody, marks a dynamic return for the trio, composed of Ifedayo Gatling, Dennis Bailey, and George Marage. Following their well-received 2022 release Look Up!, Rhapsody dives into a rich, often overlooked era of gospel music, blending traditional elements with influences from soul and funk. The inspiration behind Rhapsody came when Eli "Paperboy Reed," the group's mentor and friend, suggested they explore and reinterpret tracks from the Numero Group's Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal. The result is a collection that spans from the spirited soul of 'God's Been Good to Me' to the hip-hop-tinged 'Get Involved,' showcasing the group's ability to transcend the conventional boundaries of gospel. Originally formed as a quartet, the group reconfigured as a trio, bringing Bailey into the fold before recording Look Up!. Their journey began when Gatling and Marage met while studying under Reed, leading to the release of their debut album, He's On Time, in 2019, which garnered praise and attention from the likes of Elton John.Rhapsody is a project that not only honors the gospel tradition but also pushes it forward, offering a sound that is both rooted in history and refreshingly contemporary.
Review: American jazz pianist Gene Harris first released 'Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong' and its counterpart 'Summer' in 1974, when both initially appeared on the classic soul jazz album Astral Signal. Thereafter, it enjoyed a second bout of popularity after being picked up by the trailblazing rare groove scene in London. Now for a third: Selector Series now proffer another reissue of this rare groove workout, a Latin funk gem for an age not yet properly recorded or recognised. Snappy, pugilist drums, wowwing synths and filling choral counterpoints make this a real funk treat.
Review: Bobby Hutton, the first singer featured on Soul Train in 1971, sees his rare soul classic 'Lend A Hand' reissued by Expansion. Originally released in 1973, this track is a soulful gem that resonates with fans and collectors alike. On Side-1, 'Lend A Hand' stands out as an impressive track, showcasing Hutton's powerful vocals and emotional depth. Side-2 features 'Come See What's Left Of Me,' originally from 1969. A soulful and elegant experience, highlighting Hutton's early work. Both songs are certified rare and classic soul, making this reissue an appealing one for those who appreciate timeless, heartfelt music.
I Don't Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky (2:53)
Boogie Joe, The Grinder (3:28)
Machine Gun (3:02)
Hair (3:39)
Express (3:36)
Jungle Boogie (3:28)
Living For The City (3:48)
Loose Booty (2:22)
Fire (3:51)
Outa Space (3:32)
Funky Stuff (2:03)
Review: Japan meets funky disco in an explosive fusion led by maestro Jiro Inagaki here on a classic album that gets a worthy reissue. In a particularly inspired year during which he also released Funky Stuff on Nippon Columbia, Inagaki masterfully reinterprets tracks by Quincy Jones, Commodores, Graham Central Station, B.T. Express, Kool and The Gang, Stevie Wonder, Sly and The Family Stone, Ohio Players, Ripple, and Billy Preston on this one. He does so in collaboration with Hiromasa Suzuki, a prominent name in Japanese jazz, and seasoned session musicians who add their own spice. Inagaki brings a fresh, danceable sound here with a broad mix of inspirations from jazz to city pop all shining through.
Review: Japanese jazz drummer Takeshi Inomata is a little-spoken-about figure in the jazz-rock scene; The Japan Jazz All Stars alumn, We 3 trio leader and Rhythm Clinic Center founder has made well over 300 recordings in his career - this being the third in a year-long trilogy enthusiastically and successively released under the Sound Limited name alongside Kimio Mizutani and Shigenori Kamiya - amongst others - largely influenced by European musicians like Donovan and The Beatles. A notable and funny inclusion is 'London Bridge is Falling Down', a quite literal jazz groove cover interpolating the famous nursery rhyme. Opening track 'Something' is a cracking piece of relaxing jazz, nothing eye-popping, just some glossy, well-played, easy listening. 'Hurdy Gurdy Man' is a fast-paced funk cut with striking psychedelic guitars over a frantic flute line - the project showed Inomata's vision for a more approachable and instantly catchy jazz rock that still retained a lot of character and left, evidently, lots of room for experimentation.
Review: Colin Curtis Presents hosts veteran producer Juju for yet another new five-track 12”, delivering a righteous sequence of funky and twangy nu-jazz and dance uplifts in quick step. The producer otherwise known as Roderick Stewart has made a welcome comeback to productions after an almost 25-year hiatus, landing on Colin Curtis with this EP, and the ‘Black Samba’ EP in 2023, well after his debut record ‘Evolution-Revolution’ in 1997. Whereas the earlier ‘90s record spanned the aethereal corners of the jazzstep and drumfunk ends of drum & bass, the likes of ‘Haute Couture’ demonstrate the inevitable shifting of tastes towards jazz and Latin fusion, as if to suggest a mellowing-out over the years, a settling-down into ease. Never letting up the dance, Juju brings a fantastically naturalistic edge to the patented 4x4 pulse, corralling an impressive cadre of instrumental collaborators including saxophonist Luke Radford, trombonist Harry Jones and rhythm guitarist Derek McDonald.
Johnny April - "She Had A Pikanese" (feat Mat Matthews Quartet) (2:13)
Lu Elliott - "Common Sense" (2:24)
Lloyd Fatman - "No Big Thing" (part 1 & 2) (4:25)
Billy J - "Teacher Teach Me" (3:01)
Wayne Johnson & The Bridage - "Scram Gravy Ain't Wavy" (2:04)
4 Dimensions - "Hipper Snapper" (2:43)
The Villagers - "Funky Broadway" (3:56)
The Rippers - "Honesty" (3:28)
Exceptional Citizens Band - "Proud Mary" (5:38)
Gus Brendel - "Sax On The Rocks" (2:22)
The Hornets - "Seven Days To Tahiti" (2:40)
Bret Breitinger - "Jive Samba" (4:59)
Downtown Trio - "Summertime" (6:21)
ONYX - "Break It Loose" (part 1) (3:16)
The Shake & Bake Band - "Shake And Bake" (part 1 & 2) (6:41)
Lou Jackson - "Outside Looking In" (3:05)
Energy Crisis - "Tough Times Blues" (2:37)
Soul Unlimited - "Do It" (3:02)
Soul Unlimited - "Darkside Of Town" (2:43)
Review: Movements Vol.12 fills a bag of rare rhythm & blues, mod-jazz, and mid '70s funk. Launching on a note of obscure rhythm and blues from the 60s, most of the tracks heard thence were sifted from "hopelessly obscure" 7" singles; hopelessly obscure, that is, until now, when many a ravenous compilation curator seek to restore their honour. With most of the tracks doused in vocal reverb, and coming filled with oodles of commonsensical wisdom and everyday tootling advice, we segue from deepfunk to big band to mood jazz and then back to funk, the most impressive in the lattermost category having got to be the 4 Dimensions' 'Hipper Snapper' and Gus Brendel's 'Sax On The Rocks'; the instrumental side of the record is especially great.
Review: Helsinki funk legends Kuja Orchestra return with a fresh lineup and a brilliant blend of Latin, soul, blues, disco-funk, African, and Oriental influences. Their new album Seasons in Rhythm, part of Jazzaggression's library series, was recorded over two years at Studio Pelto and showcases core members guitarist Timo Hatva and bassist Aku Helin alongside new recruits keyboardist Miska Puusa and drummer Tony Pelkonen. Session musicians include Joose Kyyro on sax and flute, Heikki Tuhkanen on trombone, and Toimi Tytti on vocals. This eclectic mix of funky Latin, Afrobeat and cosmic grooves comes on nice heavy 180g vinyl.
Review: In a totemic move, Fela Kuti's musical successor and familial acolyte Seun Kuti teams up with fellow generational talent Damian Marley, here for an ultra-limited edition new single, 'Dey'. This much-anticipated collaboration combines the raw energy of Afrobeat with the rhythmic vibes of reggae. 'Dey' is also the first single from the much-awaited new album by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, 'Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)'. A never-heard-before collaborative smashing of styles, and a whirlwind creative decision to boot.
Review: On Good Together, Lake Street Dive embraces a renewed sense of purpose and focus on unity amidst social divisions. Described as "joyful rebellion", the album blends energetic, danceable sounds with a defiant, principled message that makes a long-lasting impression. "There's so much pain and division but living in anger isn't sustainable," drummer Mike Calabrese explains adding, "Joy is a powerful way to sustain yourself, and we wanted to remind people of that." The album he has made with his bandmates was produced by Grammy-winner Mike Elizondo and is the first time they collaborated on songwriting from the start. In turn, this expanded their creative range and has brought a new depth to their sound.
Review: Mr Bongo's Brazil 45's series brings us two Brazilian classics: Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti's 'Agora E Moda' and Pete Dunaway's 'Supermarket'. 'Agora E Moda' from Lee's 1978 album Babilonia is a psychedelic disco-boogie groove highlighted by squelching guitar licks, funk drums, and cosmic vocals. Rita Lee, the former lead singer of Os Mutantes and a key figure in the Tropicalia movement, left a lasting legacy upon her passing in 2023. On the flip side, Dunaway's 'Supermarket' is a rare groove/AOR gem with a standout bassline, swaggering guitar, and lush strings, showcasing his talent as a composer and multi-instrumentalist. This release celebrates the enduring influence of Brazilian music.
Review: Lettuce is a Boston-based and unstoppable funk force helmed by bassist Erick "Jesus" Coomes, saxophonist Ryan Zoidis, guitarist Adam "Shmeeans" Smirnoff, drummer Adam Deitch, keyboardist and vocalist Nigel Hall and trumpeter Eric "Benny" Bloom. Their saw is raw and direct and draws on the harmonics of Herbie Hancock and the high tempo of James Brown. Their album Outta Here b is pure, unfiltered funk and a powerful testament to their sound. Lettuce is joined by legends like guitarist John Scofield, who shreds on 'Flu the Coop' and 'Back in Effect' with Soulive's Neal Evans on B-3. Trombone icon Fred Wesley adds his magic to the James Brown-inspired 'Superfred' and the title track 'Outta Here.' Tasty stuff, for sure.
Review: Following the success of their last outing, Crush, funk innovators Lettuce are back with Mt. Crushmore, another standout collection of tracks that rank among their best work. This seven-track EP features a mix of new songs and b-sides from the Crush sessions and each one highlights the exceptional quality of that album. However, Mt. Crushmore isn't just a companion pieceiit showcases Lettuce's more experimental, spacey side, making it a unique addition to their discography as well as a fine record t reach for when you wanna get some raw funk in your life.
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