On the funky Side (2012) is the latest album available by New York based Jambalaya Brass Band and their red hot Creole Soul sound. First a bit about the band: The Jambalaya Brass Band is a group of seasoned musical pros from a variety of impressive previous musical settings as diverse as the Duke Ellington Orchestra to the Lounge Lizards,* yet they have a knack for integrating these disparate musical experiences into one dynamic setting. They embody the history of the best American music of the last hundred years while at the same time suggesting a prescient trajectory of America’s musical future. Members Ric Frank-tenor sax, percussion and vocals Steve Gluzband-trumpet, percussion and vocals Curtis Fowlkes-trombone, percussion and vocals Ralph Hamperian-souzaphone Chauncey Yearwood-bass drum and cymbal Kevin Raczka-snare drum
With “On the Funk Side” expect 10 hot original heartfelt songs via full tilt brass backdrop. This CD has some amazing musicians and you will hear everything from electric guitar, acoustic guitars, horns, saxophone, harmonies, percussion, R&B style riffs, solos and trombone. The band is impressive. This is true to form Americana-Blues at its best – served up hot and spicy Cajun Style. I was especially blown away at how all songs drove you naturally towards the chorus with amazing vocal touch and finesse compatible to the peak. The drums and bass lines just help push songs forward, and the vibe if you pay attention carefully has this retro 70’s blues-pop embellishment. As the CD evolves it showcases a really blues-rock steady line up of songs with musical tidbits like amazing solos, and amazing rhythm section. This is such a rocking album what else can I say in the end, it can even transcended space and time. Let me explain. You can easily picture scenes with this music in out door music festival with the smell of crawfish in the air. The intro pieces “It’s a Jungle out There”, “Specifunkify” and “Repossessed” get things underway smoothly presenting really uplifting, yet emotional charged musical vibe. Music is reminiscent of acts such as The Wild Magnolias, Professor Longhair, Rebirth Brass Band, John Cleary, Buckwheat Zydeco, Anders Osborne and The Soul Rebels. When these guys hits the chorus on “The Beast” I literally was on the verge of dancing. It was then I realized I heard some classic Dr. John shine through. All songs present really strong melodies and even some top tiered vocals sprinkled here and there. It’s also impossible to deny the superiority of this band as songwriters and players. If you don’t get sucked in by this band – then you’re not human!!! Let me repeat that last comment. If you don’t get sucked in by this band – then you’re not human!
In conclusion, here’s an album that quite literally made my day. Pardon me for saying but I get so many boring, un-interesting, overly-forgetful CD’s to review day in and day out. I have been dying to listen to a CD like “On the Funky Side” by Jambalaya Brass Band for quite some time. It’s subliminal, it’s epic, it’ a grand concept, it will make you want to dance. It’s sure to get your attention. On the funky Side is even magical From the production to the musicians, to the legendary songs, to the vibe – “On the funky Side” delivers! With the advent of this latest CD in the ever evolving realm of blues based brass music. it’s nice to know these cats remember their roots within this amazing genre.
Redwood Entertainment
Official URL: http://www.jambalayabrassband.com/
Rating 5/5 Stars
Purchase Link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jambalayabrassband
Written by Francis Carey
