Rongetz Foundation - Alphabet City Music Club
We've loved these guys since the start, but this time around
they really seem to be knocking it out of the park – fusing their fantastic
blend of funky jazz and contemporary soul with a fresher vibe than they've ever
had before! These guys draw on plenty of classic elements, but never sound like
a retro group at all – as they've got this bold spirit and forward-thinking
energy that bristles with positivity, and really marks their music right from
the start. The singers get some really great space in the spotlight this time
around – a lineup that includes Vanisha Gould, Alina Engibaryan, Mr Day, and
Vuyo Sotashe – plus rapper Lewis Parker. Rongetz plays trumpet, produced, and
arranged – and instrumentation includes some great keyboards and organ, plus
tenor, alto, and flute. Tracks include "The Tour Song",
"Clapping Your Soul", "Funky Fancy NYC", "Death Of A
Music Box", "Success Success", "Murky Park", and
"Somehow Blues". ~ Dusty Groove
Crowd Company - Lowdown
Hot on the heels of new single "Express 76",
acclaimed UK funk band Crowd Company return with another taste from their
forthcoming third album in the form of "Lowdown", a sassy slice of
sister funk that once again features Ryan Zodis & Eric Bloom, the sax &
trumpet virtuosos from USA funk band Lettuce. "Lowdown" is released
digitally on November 29th via Vintage League Music and anticipates the band's
new album that will see the light of day on CD, LP & Digital on January
31st 2020. Both the single and the album were recorded in Millers Falls, USA at
the studio of Alan Evans (Soulive / Ae3) who also produced the record. We're not quite sure what Crowd Company have
been eating lately but we wouldn't be surprised if it was some high-energy
spinach cause they are on a roll and have never sounded better! If first
singles "Express 76" and "Lowdown" are any indication of
what is to come, we're ready to bet the next album will firmly cement the
band's standing as a force to be reckoned with in the global funk scene!
Ahmed Abdullah - Life's Force
A crowning moment of achievement for trumpeter Ahmed
Abdullah – a record that draws on his rich experience working with Sun Ra, but
focuses the energy into a warmer, more spiritual jazz setting overall! The
album's a lost treasure from the US scene of the late 70s – a perfect melding
of jazz modes of the time, and one of those dates that somehow has all the
players sounding even better than usual – really hitting a unique space
together – one that's rhythmic, yet searching – free, yet structured – and always
open to new ideas throughout! In addition to trumpet from Abdullah, the group
also features vibes from Jay Hoggard, French horn from Vincent Chaney, cello
from Muneer Abdul Fatah, bass from Jerome Hunter, and drums from Rashied Sinan.
Hunter's bass is an especially moving force in the session – giving the album a
warm, soulful current that really holds things together – and titles include
"Song of Tenderness", "Eternal Spiraling Spirit",
"Long Time Black", and "Life's Force". ~ Dusty Groove
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