Flashback to the early 1980s
09/13/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Few albums do a better job capturing the kitschy soul/jazz "fonk" of the era than this GRP classic. Prominently featured is the monster slapping bass play of Sekou Bunch and Marcus Miller. And of course, there are Dave Grusin's distinctive arrangements and whose keyboards are ever present. Two standout tracks, however, are anomalies. "God Bless The Child" is a beautiful treatment of the Billie Holliday-associated classic that demonstrates Browne's serious trumpet chops. "Night Wind" is a soundtracky and noctural Grusin special, with Browne gliding over a typical Grusin orchestral arrangement."
Essential stuff !!!
E. Van Esch | Utrecht, Utrecht Netherlands | 02/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Maybe not as good as his "Love Approach" album, but still essential for your collection. If you take yourself seriously as a jazz/funk of the late 70's early 80's fan, buy this!!!."
Classic jazz-funk trumpet II
Olukayode Balogun | Leeds, England | 07/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This follow up to the phenomenally successful Love Approach was just as good as its predecessor as far as the music goes if not as commercially successful ("Love Approach" became a US #1 Jazz album and #1 Soul album, and "Funkin' For Jamaica (N.Y.)" was a #1 soul single).
Many of the same personnel are back for the ride, including Dave Grusin (who again produced with Larry Rosen), Bernard Wright, Bobby Broom, Buddy Williams and Marcus Miller. We're also introduced to Sekou Bunch, who plays a mean electric bass. The opener, "Let's Dance", with vocals by Toni Smith and a funky bass line by Bunch, who also penned the tune, was not as big a hit as "Funkin' For Jamaica" but it's still a very funky little number. I've always loved the tune.
Another favourite is "I Know", which also features Smith, sounding almost Chaka-esque. I remember I used to imagine it was actually Ms Khan singing to enhance my enjoyment of the album. (Silly, I know but forgive me; I was young). "'Cause with your love I know I'm gonna be/ Alright," she sings and for some reason I've always found that line so reassuring. "I know better, I know so much better with you/ I know better, I know so much better with you/ 'Cause I have your love," she sings towards the end of the song and I find she's one of those rare singers who actually makes me believe what she's singing. Brilliant stuff.
Things wind down a tad and the 'jazz' side of jazz-funk comes to the fore in the second half of the album. The Billie Holiday and Ira Herzog classic "God Bless The Child" is just trumpet, piano and strings and is heavenly. The Dave Grusin penned "Night Wind" is another beautiful tune with notable bass by Marcus Miller and percussion by Crusher Bennett & Larry Rosen. Again, beautiful strings and a great piano solo from Grusin. "Thighs High (Grip Your Hips And Move)" is a lot of fun and was sampled by some hip-hop artiste back in the day but I don't recall who and the closer, "Making Plans" with lead vocals by the man himself is not too shabby either and ends the album on a great note.
This is a beautiful album and a great example of the best that jazz-funk had to offer us in the early 80s. Great production, funky beats and inspired improvisation. If you like all these and you also like strings, you'll like this album. Both this and "Love Approach" were not exactly cheap - they were only available on Japanese import - but in my view they were both worth every penny.
"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1