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Monday Music Review 01/03/10 |
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Written by Wavelength Staff
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Monday, 01 March 2010 10:29 |
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Opening track "Do It Again Joe" sets the tone of this e.p. nicely, with a well structured bounce-along funk number. All the musicians have time to shine, but the guitar solo by Joe Price (presumably the Joe referenced in the title) is simply outstanding. "V.I.P. sees co-vocalist / trumpeter Aimee Mukherjee take the lead (as opposed to Ben Sayer who sang on the 1st tune). Again, it is a solid good-time tune, with more of a Cuban influenced sound rather than straight-up funk. Pianist Sam Mills takes a turn to shine with some sublime (not the band!) licks laid over the Buena Vista style backing. "Mojo" follows, again with Ben taking lead vocal duties, and some more jazz style licks from Sam. And lets not forget the solid bass from Richard O'Brien and the ever present horn section (Graham Reynolds, John Pratt, Aimee Mukherjee) whose skills tie each song together, giving the eclectic styles a unifying factor, mirroring the craftsmanship of Fred Wesley and the J.B's whose contributions to the legacy of James Brown cannot be denied. Strangely enough, I dislike the opening part of "Sorry But...", yet that all changes when Aimee's voice cuts in and seduces the listener. The Miami-Soul sound of this track isn't usually to my liking, but the Mango's add their own flavour to the mix and ultimately this has probably ended up being one of my favourites. Would sound good at a Brazilian carnival. Track 5 "Stop Me" uses dual vocals and sees a fine bass workout from Richard. Having two very competent talented vocalists really helps this band to mix up their styles and give each tune the finishing touches that it needs. The e.p. closes with a 6.30 minute instrumental workout "Strawberry Kisses". Again, all the individual musicians are given time to breathe and express themselves whilst maintaining a solid group ethos. Guitarist Joe shines through with his virtuoso skills, (he's allowed to 'do it again'), laying down licks like it's a hot day in the desert and he's just found a freezer full of mango ice-lollies. This guy really is very talented. Go and check these guys (and gal) out live if you can. Check their myspace page for details and maybe pick up one of these fine recordings whilst you are there. Check 'em out in a cheap grimy club before some record exec gives them a break and they end up spending all their spare time on yachts moored in the Caribbean.
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