FUNKY CHICKEN TIME…Stix Bones & Bob Beamon: Olympik Soul, Cliff Beach:You Showed Me The Way

You might start looking for Don Cornelius after listening to these two Soul Train inspired sessions

Vintage soul sounds are delivered by a core of Densen Curwen/p-synth, Anthony Stevenson/b, Bob Beamoan/perc, Franklin Brown/dr and some guest  horns and vocals. Khadejia Bass adds some sweet voicings to the urban “Be Thankful” and Abidun Oyewole’s deep and booming voice gives gravitas to “Price of Freedom”. For the instrumentals, the horns hum on “ Olimpik Soul” and the percussion percolates on “Funkatonic” and “Monday Madness”. Afro Sheen!

Cliff Beach comes up with the brilliant idea of taking jazz standards and putting them through the Waring Blender of Motown and Stax. Arranged by keyboardist Munenori Kishi and directed by trombonist Evan Mackey, the funky brothers of support strut through and R&Bish “Round Midnight” and some 70s wacka woo on “That Old Black Magic”. There’s a Stevie Wonderish feel to “I’m Beginning to See The  Light” and “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” with Luis Cardenas-Casillas bopping his trumpet on “Love You Madly”. Where are the Soul Train Dancers?

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www.californiasoulmusic.com

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