Although most people haphazardly toss them in the ever-growing acid-jazz bucket, reed player Karl Denson is quick to point out that his quintet plays boogaloo music. Popularized in the late 1960s by Pucho and Boogaloo Joe ... more »Jones, boogaloo is a danceable funk-jazz-soul hybrid named after the popular jig of the period. The Greyboys borrow funk's urgent rhythms, jazz's sophisticated improvisation, and the polished, easy-flowing groove of soul. Their funk is not "nasty" as much as it is "tasty." They've also been wise enough to play with and learn from veteran soul-jazz men such as Melvin Sparks and Fred Wesley. (Wesley contributes particularly eloquent liner notes regarding the idea of "white boys playing Black Music.") These 10 creative originals include upbeat vamps, impressionistic free-funk, piano-driven blues workouts, and atmospheric mood pieces. --Marc Greilsamer« less
Although most people haphazardly toss them in the ever-growing acid-jazz bucket, reed player Karl Denson is quick to point out that his quintet plays boogaloo music. Popularized in the late 1960s by Pucho and Boogaloo Joe Jones, boogaloo is a danceable funk-jazz-soul hybrid named after the popular jig of the period. The Greyboys borrow funk's urgent rhythms, jazz's sophisticated improvisation, and the polished, easy-flowing groove of soul. Their funk is not "nasty" as much as it is "tasty." They've also been wise enough to play with and learn from veteran soul-jazz men such as Melvin Sparks and Fred Wesley. (Wesley contributes particularly eloquent liner notes regarding the idea of "white boys playing Black Music.") These 10 creative originals include upbeat vamps, impressionistic free-funk, piano-driven blues workouts, and atmospheric mood pieces. --Marc Greilsamer
Greyboy Allstars Tear it Up on "A Town Called Earth"
glenbags@hotmail.com | 07/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Karl Denson, former bandmate of Lenny Kravitz, has put together a band that is under-recognized and full of talent. These guys truly are all-stars on A Town Called Earth. Happy Friends (track 3), simply said, kicks butt. Listeners of this song know how much soul Mr. Denson brings to the table. The band is versitile, as they can slow things down like they did on the beautiful song, December's Bicycle. I highly advise anyone who enjoys quality jazz/funk to purchase this album. You'll be happy you got on the bus before The Greyboys become mainstream."
THE FUNKYEST BAND SINCE THE J.B.'s
glenbags@hotmail.com | 08/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I WAS TURNED ON TO THEM A YEAR AGO AND HAVE BEEN ADDICTED SINCE. IF YOU WANT A SOUL GROOVE TO MOVE YOUR BOOTY, THESE ARE YOUR BOYS! IF I COULD GIVE IT 10 STARS I WOULD. BUY THEIR STUFF! PEACE OUT."
FUNKADELIC soul-jazz for earthy ears
11/19/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These guys will take you straight into the 70's before you can even smile, and believe me you will smile! Smile, dance, and shake ya booty. "Quantico,VA" is one of the best jams I've heard in a long time. Giving each instrument it's own time to swing out on a groove. This alblum is just plain worth owning! "Turnip's Big Move" is another good jam with a hip-hop beat to move 'dem feet, but with horns soooo jazzalicious...put it this way I'm a allstars fan for life now that I bought this alblum. Pick it up ASAP and let the Earth move beneath your feet!"
A smooth 90's version of a soulful 70's theme
glenbags@hotmail.com | Orange County, California | 10/14/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Summer 1997's "A Town Called Earth" is a thoughtful, delightfully experimental follow-up to it's more funk-laced predecessor, 1994's "West Coast Boogaloo". The Allstars, a southern California band just beginning to break open the east coast jazz/funk club scene, consist of frontman saxist/flutist Karl Denson, virtuoso guitarist Elgin Park, bassist Chris Stillwell, drummer Zak Najor, and keyboardist Robert Walter. Having played together on various solo projects as well as two Allstars studio albums, the band has an intuitive grasp of each other's playing styles that makes "A Town Called Earth" their most fluid and well-developed effort yet. From the explosive "Toys 'R Us" to the the hip-hop "Quantico, Va." to the soothing "December's Bicycle", the album has a song for every mood. The Allstars also showcase their diverse talents on this album, varying from traditional rhythms and instruments to exotic sounds and beats. The album as a whole is a ground-breaking accomplishment, one that will leave both first-time listeners and old faithfuls thirsting for more."