NEW RELEASES: THE GRITS - MAKE A SOUND; U-NAM - C'EST LE FUNK; DIGGS DUKE - UPPER HAND AND OTHER GREAT ILLUSIONS

THE GRITS – MAKE A SOUND

The Grits make a mighty sound here – one that's even deeper, harder, and funkier than their previous records – thanks to some especially sharp drums at the bottom! These guys have really rediscovered the power of a classic break – and use the drums to really get all the cuts going right from the get-go – creating such an infectiously funky vibe, all the other elements of the tunes are just like icing on the cake! Most numbers feature vocals from Sophie Adler-McKean – a soulful singer in the Alice Russell mode – and the rest of the group features trumpet, tenor, bass, and keyboards – but the credits list three different drummers – so these guys are definitely serious about that part of the record! Titles include "Make A Sound", "Psycho", "Yeah No", "Funky Mile", "Six Pack", and "Heel & Toe".  ~ Dusty Groove

U-NAM – C’EST LE FUNK

Wicked guitar work from U-Nam – a contemporary musician, but one who's drank deeply of the best vintage modes from CTI and Kudu Records – and who is one of the few who can really get such a classic sound just right! This album's got all the sharp edges of a 70s funky fusion set by George Benson or Eric Gale – with tight, thoughtful solos from U-Nam out in the lead – supported by soul-drenched rhythms that really make the whole thing move – deep sounds that almost have the feel of Incognito in an instrumental mode – all arranged and produced by the leader himself. Easily the best record so far from this modern funky jazz giant – with titles that include "Throwback Kid", "Smoovin", "C'Est Le Funk", "Starlight Lover", "City Lights", and "Just Like That".  ~ Dusty Groove

DIGGS DUKE – UPPER HAND AND OTHER GREAT ILLUSIONS

Sublime soulful sounds from Diggs Duke – one of the freshest artists we've heard in years – and one of the few who really live up to the cosmic promise of the Brownswood label! Duke's got this way of singing, speaking, and playing Fender Rhodes with a really righteous sort of vibe – almost a modern day Weldon Irvine, but with an ear for heavier beats as well – and able to do more in this short EP than most artists can do in a full album! Titles include "The Pinnacle", "Secrets Seem Rehearsed", "Covered In Cloth", "Our Love Was Brand New", and "A Private Island". Why isn't this guy huge? (Includes bonus download too!). ~ Dusty Groove