Dam-Funk - STFU
II
Fantastic
funk from Dam-Funk – full of heavy bassbits, sweet beats, and plenty of
keyboards – all with that stripped-down sound that always helps us focus on the
well-chosen elements in his music! The whole thing's instrumental – and
relatively spare, but very fulfilling – as the man makes the most with the
least, especially with the slowly-evolving bass-heavy moments in the set – more
than enough to make the back end of your jeep leap from the speakers, and which
should be packaged with a warning not to listen on headphones that are turned
up too loud! Titles include "Deeper", "Ladera Heights",
"On Code", "Hood Biz", "The Flow", and "Compos
Mentis". ~ Dusty Groove
Gary Meggs -
Life's Little Changes
A onetime
member of the orchestras of Glenn Miller and Harry James, saxophonist Gary
Meggs calls the release of his latest album Life’s Little Changes a “lifelong
dream, a chance to help place my own footprint in the Smooth Jazz scene,”
inspired by the West Coast Jazz of the 80’s and 90’s. Collaborating with
rock/fusion guitarist Bryan Jeffries, who produced the collection, Meggs’
brings a bold and brash horn energy to an exciting, stylistically eclectic
collection that includes spirited Latin influences, innovative arrangements of
pop standards and re-imagined versions (complete with new titles) of a gospel
and seasonal classics. ~
smoothgrooves.com
Dave Rempis /
Josh Abrams / Avreeayl Ra / Jim Baker - Apsis
Dave Rempis
is really on fire – effortlessly blowing long-spun lines on alto, tenor, and
baritone saxes – as part of a very freewheeling quartet with a old school
improvising vibe! The date was recorded live at Elastic Arts in Chicago, and in
some ways is a reflection of the way that space has become a hotbed for jazz
creation that almost recalls the loft jazz scene of New York in the 70s –
really well-matched players who are able to create in long, thoughtful
progressions – often with a fair bit of force overall, given their
understanding of each other's strengths from previous time together. The group
features some tremendous work on bass from Joshua Abrams, richly organic work
on drums from Avreeayl Ra, and very cool electronics from Jim Baker, who also
plays piano – on two long improvisations, "Exedra" and
"Mithrab". ~ Dusty Groove
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