Search - Ulu :: What's the Deal

Get up for the down stroke

senoramour | Philly,PA | 01/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, well, well. I've had this disc for about two months now and I listen to it way too much. The first big change is the deletion of guitarist Luca Benedetti from Ulu's lineup. Regardless of the impetus for this switch, the new sound is much tighter and more vital. This album has a very unique feel to it that takes a decided step away from a more contrived, less mature style of the first album. Ulu really comes into their own here as a creative unit that defies categorization with the myriad cookie-cutter funk acts that have become prevalent in the last ten years. Oh, and if you've been reading reviews for the other albums, Ulu does not sound like Phish. They work with a pervasive brooding coolness that is much more reminiscent of herbie hancock and miles davis' jazz fusion exploits than of the Raffi-esque goofiness of Anastasio & co. you've got to be kidding me.As for the album specifically, there is never a dull moment. The new tracks are all very good and dripping with tasty hooks (xg10, scab, killer bees, mike and ike's root canal) to get you back on the good foot. However, don't dismiss the other tracks because you may have heard them before. The Prince Igor rendition is an excellent demonstration of the band's ability to interlace tight funky lines with thoughtful breakdowns without detracting from the overall cohesion. Swells and lulls complement each other beautifully here to comprise a dynamic listening experience that teases and delivers with artistic tact. I've talked to Scott Chasolen after shows about their virtually non-existent rehearsals (they're almost always touring), and I can't help but be amazed by the compositional feel of this disc comprised of cuts from one live show. The chemistry is amazing. Tired of the same old thing? wish today's funk had the spunk of p-funk? Get this album and find yourself a new outlook."

Lots of sinew - tons of funk!

Dr.D.Treharne | Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom | 05/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bought on the recommendation of a friend who caught them live this album has certainly lived up to expectations. It's one of those CD's that gives up its best moments with repeated playing.The deal is an interplay between Scott Chalosen (various keyboards) and Aaron Gardner (Sax and flute) driven on by a rock solid rhythm section that is by parts funky and jazzy, but always solid and propel when needed, but can empathetically hang back as well. The pieces are extended work outs round a series of themes, but what makes it work so well is the strength of the material. Add to that a sense of internal dynamics with space given for everybody to develop their own parts, and it builds into something very special.My favourites are "Jitterfried" a 7.08 workout, and "Mouthlove" a fully developed improvisation. There are a couple of reservations. Because it was recorded live the drum sound is puny compared to the sound that David Hoffman actually manages on stage ( so I'm told!)and the producers might have thought more about whether the audience noise was really needed or appropriate.I know this was a live recording - butin places I thought it intruded. This is the kind of band that you hope a major company would pick up on and send into studio with a top-rate producer. In the meantime buy this, and look out for their next release. Me I'm hoping to catch up with them live, later in the Summer in the US, and if this is a sample of what's in store, I can't wait!"