Posts Tagged ‘profyousion’

#10 What It Is - Dave Weckl Band - by profyousion

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

“COP DIS JAM”.

PROFYOUSION’S VIDEO REVIEW dave-weckl

“What It Is” is a track by the Dave Weckl Band exemplifies what I like best about fusion. Maybe these cats hear music differently than us “ordinary” folks.

No intro, they jump right to a funky bass/drum groove. The bassline has an off kilter vamp like it’s behind the meter, producing a kind of jerky feel, which is also replicated by the drums. Laid on top is a throaty sax, along with subtle rhythm accents on synth.

#9 Cry - Chris Ballin - by profyousion

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

“COP DIS JAM”.

PROFYOUSION’S VIDEO REVIEW Cry

do it right

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, 2009

profyousion’s video review fry-his-ass

COP DIS PIECE
icon

husky

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!