|
Homepage
Originally
from Paris guitarist U-NAM delivers one gem after another. With
The Past Builds The Future (2005), Back From the 80's
(2007), Unanimity (2009) and Weekend in L.A. (A Tribute
To George Benson) (2012) he set milestones of smooth jazz. His
new album C'est Le Funk
will be released on September 8th, 2014 in digital version, the
physical follows on 15th.
Multi-instrumentalist U-NAM is joined on this project
by Dwayne "Smitty" Smith and Darryl Williams (bass), Tim "TiO"
Owens, Gennine Francis-Jackson (vocals) and Shannon Kennedy (vocals,
saxophone and flutes), Michael White (drums), Denis Benarrosh
(percussion), Bill Steinway
(Fender Rhodes, Piano), Kim Hansen
(Fender Rhodes and keyboards),
Christian Martinez (trumpet), Raymond Gimenes and Maria Grigoryeva
(strings).
After the release of the first single, C'est Le Funk, and
after writing and producing RSVP featuring Donnie for James Day
U-NAM had the idea to create this new album.
Following the collaboration between Daft Punk/Nile Rodgers, James
asked him to do a "Chic" influenced-tune that heavily featured funky
guitar.
U-NAM
comments꞉ “A little expertise of mine since its what I've worked on
developing most of my life. Nile Rodgers always been a big influence
of mine as a guitar player, so with my own single "C'est Le Funk,"
I've tried to incorporate that "Chic" influence into a more Smooth
Jazz song, using my jazz guitar signature sounds.
It was a fun little project and I've actually been
really quite pleasantly surprised by the feedback.
The song did really great in the charts and I've
decided to do another single more influenced by the
80s Funk/Earth, Wind and Fire style. That second
single, Something's Up reached the Top30 US
Billboard Jazz Charts. Suddenly, everything clicked
into place. For the album, I knew that I had to mix
80s Funk and my more jazzy influences, so I've
decided to cover a few of my favorite Funk songs.
Some of the songs may not be widely known but in my
humble opinion, they are definitely Classics.″
The album kicks into high gear with Smoovin'. Where George
Benson stopped with Give Me The Night, U-NAM
takes over the torch. Guitar licks in Benson's style under layered
with strings and horns are his trademarks.
Something’s Up goes greatly with a fantastic stomping
beat. Benson meets Chic le Freak is the quintessence of C’est Le Funk.
Shannon Kennedy shines with a stylish sax input. On the third part
the song gets a hot Latin flavor.
Franky Beverly and Maze performed
Can’t Get Over You on their album Silky Soul.
One of my all time favorites. U-NAM shares my preferences and
delivers the second verse of this incredibly emotional song, of
course with his famous embellishments. Keni Burke's hit Risin'
To The Top is also a shining star of my musical past. U-NAM's
interpretation is far better than a pure remix. This is a
contemporary discovery!
Throwback Kid keeps this fantastic mood on fire.
Whether rhythm guitar or melodic line U-NAM controls everything in
admirable perfection. Just Like That is a wonderful tribute
to the music of Benson in the time of the 70s and 80s. U-NAM
is an avid admirer of Nile Rodgers and his music. So Chic's City
Light is next in line. Of course, he gives this piece also his
own character. With Starlight Lover he goes one better.
Have a good Party Time!
Act Like You Know was the greatest hit of the funk
group Fat Larry's Band. The song was used as soundtrack for
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. U-NAM features on his brilliant
version the gifted singer
Tim “TiO” Owens, who also appeared on his groundbreaking album
Weekend in L.A., which received high accolades.
Dive into the world of disco funk and George Benson's music on
C'est Le Funk. With his fascinating guitar style
U-NAM paints a vivid picture of
the legendary 70s and 80s on a high contemporary level.
Buy the album at
Amazon.com
Album Information
Title: C'est Le Funk
Artist: U-NAM
Year: 2014
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label:
SkyTown Records
Tracks:
1. Smoovin’ (4:38)
2. Something’s Up (4:44)
3. C’est Le Funk Feat. NIVO DEUX (5:29)
4. Can’t Get Over You (5:25)
5. Risin’ To The Top (6:09)
6. Throwback Kid (4:13)
7. Just Like That (5:43)
8. City Lights (4:38)
9. Starlight Lover (5:27)
10. Act Like You Know Feat. Tim “TiO” Owens (5:47)
BONUS TRACKS:
11. Smoovin’ (Radio Edit) (4:00)
12. Something’s Up (Summer Radio Edit) (3:40)
Further reviews
U-NAM - Back From The 80's
Unamity
The Early Tapes 94/95
Weekend in L.A. (A Tribute To George Benson)
Throwback Kid keeps this fantastic mood on fire. Whether rhythm guitar or melodic line U-NAM controls everything in admirable perfection. Just Like That is a wonderful tribute to the music of Benson in the time of the 70s and 80s. U-NAM is an avid admirer of Nile Rodgers and his music. So Chic's City Light is next in line. Of course, he gives this piece also his own character. With Starlight Lover he goes one better. Have a good Party Time!
Act Like You Know was the greatest hit of the funk group Fat Larry's Band. The song was used as soundtrack for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. U-NAM features on his brilliant version the gifted singer Tim “TiO” Owens, who also appeared on his groundbreaking album Weekend in L.A., which received high accolades.
Dive into the world of disco funk and George Benson's music on C'est Le Funk. With his fascinating guitar style U-NAM paints a vivid picture of the legendary 70s and 80s on a high contemporary level.
SkyTown RecordsBuy the album at Amazon.com
Album Information
Title: C'est Le Funk
Artist: U-NAM
Year: 2014
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label:
Further reviews
Unamity
The Early Tapes 94/95