Recorded in Ann Arbour with the full band in one room, a minimum
amount of effects, processing and microphones and mixed by much
respected funk producer Nate Goldentone (Dojo Cuts, The Liberators),
West Grand Boulevard is the awaited new album by Detroit finest deep
funk combo Third Coast Kings. Their 2012 self titled debut album made a
global impression upon its release, the Kings were invited to Japan to
perform at Fuji Rock Festival and gained fans all over the world such as
Charles Bradley, Craig Charles (BBC), Kenny Dope and Dj Muro. Now the
guys are back with a mission: to carry the torch of Deep Funk heritage
across the planet.
Named after one of the city's most wide-reaching thoroughfares, West
Grand Boulevard was also Motown's HQ, however here we're much closer to
the dirty jazz-funk sound of the Meters and Lee Dorsey than to the
typical "Motown sound". The band decided to pay homage to Detroit, a
city of music and muscle, and this is the sound it makes when it flexes.
Every track on the album is inspired by the sights, sounds, smells and
history of the city. Funky instrumentals range from gas-guzzling burners
like Lead Foot, to high strutting cruisers like the title track, West
Grand Boulevard. Punch out of work at your back-breaking job to High
Tops, then suit up for the club with Errol Flynns. Ice Cream Man is an
atmospheric funk caravan, dishing out sweet horn licks, smooth basslines
and an organ solo straight from church. The Kings' alternating vocal
duo are back as well with the sultry Michelle "The Belle" Camilleri
calling all to the dancefloor with her party starter Just Move. Acting
as James Brown while the Kings play the part of the JBs, charismatic
singer Sean Ike displays his range, telling the tale of legendary hero
Jack Johnson in the American anthem I'm A Man and then leads everybody
to a jar of honey with stunning deep soul cut Birds & Bees.
Looking to present this history lesson/house party in a raw and real
manner, the group enlisted engineer Jim Roll and producer Nate Goldenton
to capture the music in the most authentic (and these days, difficult)
way possible. This is how Detroit did it in the '60s and'70s, so get to
work on that time machine, or just let the Kings take you on a vintage
tour of West Grand Boulevard.
No comments:
Post a Comment