Hailing
out of Switzerland this is a debut set from a group who
are creating somewhat of a reputation for their live
shows. The band is composed of seven funk-proven musicians
who seem determined to demonstrate their worth given the
standard of songs on offer. Whilst the country of the
lakes, mountains and different dialects might not readily
seem to be renown for the funk groove this album of
largely up tempo full frontal horn led funk will certainly
change your mind.
Fronted by soulful vocalist Renate
Scheurer, the Banana Hunters are a band whose inspiration
seems to originate from groups such as Incognito, the
Brand New Heavies and The Crusaders, the latter being
particularly noticeable in the solid rhythm section that
supports all of the original compositions on offer. That
though is where the comparison ends as this set is not
rooted in the past but places itself firmly at the
forefront of modern day funk with a capital F.
The band's popular live track 'Shake
It' grooves along at a fast tempo with tight horn
arrangements and a jazz influenced sax solo. Slightly
gentler outings are on offer with the loping funk of 'What
you do to me' dominated by an impressive guitar solo which
refrains from breaking into heavier rock overtures which
is sometimes a fault of funk orientated bands.
The smooth almost angelic trumpet
playing of Christian Dillier features on the pop funk of
'I can make it' and there is also some lovely hammond
organ playing on 'Don't Know' from Dominic
Montandon.Overall, these are a band of musicians that are
extremely accomplished in their art enjoying what they do
underpinned by a strong clean production mix. In other
words, it's damn good and funky!!
