Search - Various Artists :: Pulp Fusion: Funky Jazz Classics

Here the Pulp Fusion begins...

Adrian Berger | 06/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album cements the style, uniqueness and grandioso of the entire Pulp Fusion series (5 in all now). And what a way to begin. This album is full of funky life and jazzy grooves to tantalize your soul and move your body in silent understanding of the true feeling of 70's sound.From Johnny Hammonds smooth opening "Shifting Gears", to the crazy and brilliant "Chitterlings con Carne" performed by Pucho & His Latin Soul Brothers, to the soulful "Dont It Drive You Crazy" (Pointer Sisters). This album, only 3 tracks in, has you hooked. And there is more in store, as the next several tracks pull you further into the depths of 70's funk; the opening bass line and cymbals of "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" and a minute and a half in the jazzy sounds of the sax; the classic "Melting Pot" by Booker T and The MGs, with its simple, effective conglomeration of sound; the soulful sounds of Minnie Riperton in "Every Time He Comes Around" and the teriffic flute enchanting and funky "Burning Spear". To top the lot though, we cannot forget the legendary Herbie Hancock, who appears on this compilation performing "Hang Up Your Hang Ups"; a top little number of jutty, crisp sounds fused with mellow keyboard and big sound.This is a teriffic compilation of jazz, funk and soul tracks staright from the heart of the "Tough Side". These are fun sounds and maximum enjoyment is achieved from just one listen. Thanks must go to the producers, who have hit the funky nail on the head here with their first compilation in this series.If you're into funk music or you want to experience something new that will open your eyes to original sound, then buy this CD and any in the Pulp Fusion series. This is a great place to start, "Pulp Fusion, Vol. 1: Funky Jazz Classics & Original Breaks from the Tough Side". The title says it all..."

Volume 1 of a great series

Joe Kenney | Dallas, TX USA | 03/22/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Pulp Fusion series has continued for a few years now, and as of this writing there are seven volumes. The first is somewhat different than the others, in that it clocks in at a longer running time, and instead of an "organic jazz" approach, a lot of the tracks employ weird electronic touches. It's not my favorite volume, but it's a great start for the series.My favorite tracks: Johnny "Hammond" Smith does one of the best break/funk tunes ever, with "Shifting Gears;" the Pointer Sisters (of all people!) coo over the almost trip-hoppish "Don't It Drive You Crazy;" Booker T & The MG's combine soul strut with Spaghetti-Western twang on "Melting Pot;" Minnie Ripperton sings as beautifully as ever, while an acid-rock guitar plays the blues on "Every Time He Comes Around;" SOUL combines funky flute with a groovy beat on "Burning Spear;" Herbie Hancock (with the Head Hunters in tow) gets weirdly funky on the almost-electronica "Hang Up Your Hang Ups;" and Lonnie Smith stretches out "Afrodesia" for several minutes of psychedelic funk.Personally I find other volumes to be more interesting, but Volume 1 is a perfect introduction to the Pulp Fusion series."

It Gets No Better

Marina Martinez | Detroit, MI USA | 10/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OMG. How much better do you wanna get?! The whole Pulp Fusion series is BEAUTIFULLY AMAZING. (Along with the whole entire Harmless label) Start it off with v.1. An oop hard to find disk. Look, I have 315 GB of music on my Mac, which equals over 30,000 songs... THIS SERIES IS WHAT I'D PICK TO LISTEN TO OVER ANYTHING."