Let
me first declare an interest, any album which features Chaka
Khan is sure to get my vote! Boston based Soulive have a new
label and it shows! Their success is a result of fusing the
soul-jazz of the past with a modern groove jazz feel. This album
is certainly paying homage to the soul and funk of the 70's.
A crisp production leads the
group away from the Organ trio of the past and into new territory
of as the group put it "people who got soul,""
Chachaca" and" Vapor" stand out, the latter with
shining performances from original members,Neal Evans on Organ and
Eric Krasno on guitar. The added horns give the album's title
track " Break Out "some spontaneity which is scarce on
the CD, particularly for those of us who have seen the band
perform live. Then their is always Khan whose voice sounds
fabulous on the swinging 'Back Again.'
Overall. this album is a successful departure from previously
slightly jazzier affairs and works well in a small group setting.
Think Prince without attitude and with some extra jazz-funk thrown
in for a good time.
