#9 Cry - Chris Ballin - by profyousion
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009PROFYOUSION’S VIDEO REVIEW Cry
do it right
Chris Ballin’s vocals are often compared to Luther Vandross, although I don’t think so. Although Luther could sing, I never particularly cared for him. I think if a big cat can sing, they automatically say “Luther”, because it’s easy.
I like Chris. Think of a lower pitched Frankie Beverly, a smoother Bobby Womack, or more…a Christopher Williams. He’s got a slightly raspy quality to his voice lending that “special something” that makes anything he sings enjoyable.
Born in Nottingham, England,he began playing drums at the age of 8, joined his first band at 10, and has been a session musician singing background for a number of high profile acts over the years, including Incognito,ZZ TOP, Belinda Carlisle and Chaka Khan, Pink Floyd, Mark Morrison, M-People, Brand New Heavies, Desiree, Mica Paris and Tina Turner.
Combining the above chops with his ability to not only write, but phrase lyrics in unexpected ways, you can expect to be inwardly moved.
#8 Fry His Ass - Skerik’s Syncopated Taint - by profyousion
Friday, January 23rd, 2009profyousion’s video review fry-his-ass
husky
This is another funky, greasy, new jazz jam…woooo!
“Fry His Ass” off the” Husky” album 2006 by skerik’s syncopated taint septet. Unfortunately, it’s an album only selection on itunes
The phrasing alternates between mellow, then fierce… back and forth continuously to a climax that sounds as if the fellas just played themselves out.
If Thelonius Monk did the horn arrangement and they were played by Roland Kirk, it might sound like this. Screamin’ horn harmonies slightly off key, yet the drummer keepin’ the funk “in the pocket”, even the clarinet gets some dap on this.
Seemingly, the prevailing view amongst todays’ musical pundits is”gone are the days of jazz rooted in gospel and blues. The “Nu Jazz” is rooted in funk and hip-hop”. Funk has an underrated influence on a great deal of popular music in general, and hip-hop with its’ syncopated beat and phrasing is a subset of funk!
#7 Funky Goldman - Soil & “Pimp” Sessions - by profyousion
Saturday, January 10th, 2009profyousion’s video review funky-goldman
pimpoint
I got hip to these cats maybe about 6 months ago while listening to internet radio, and I had to know who they were.
The jam I heard was called “Funky Goldman”, the groove of which reminded me of some old time ballroom jams that might have been played at the club back in the day. It has a Herbie Hancock-like synth “vocal” over some mean, yet laid back slick sax riffs.
This cut is off their 3rd album “Pimpoint”, a somewhat intriguing title.
You can imagine my surprise when I found out these cats were japanese!
Now I’m really intrigued. What do these cats know about pimps?
Evidently, these guys came about through the japanese dj club scene as an add on live jam session in between dj sets. Due to the strength of their sets, they eventually usurped the djs and their brand of alternative jazz became the main draw.
Here’s a YouTube video of a club set
They started out with just two cats, Shacho the “agitator”and Tabu Zombie(trumpet). Shacho seems to be the spirit of the group as he hypes the crowd and encourages involvement through the use of a megaphone!
As they increased in popularity, other members were added. Motoharu (sax), Josei (keyboards), Akita Goldman (double bass) and Midorin (drums).
The sheer energy and tempo of their music drew attention most notably from Gilles Peterson, a noted dj, record label owner and host of radio 1, a leading radio station in the uk, where he’s known for his eclectic playlist. He signed them up on his Brownswood label and has been instrumental in helping them gain exposure through various club dates and music festivals.
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