Obviously, I haven't been to the gym for a few days given the recent winter storm that ravaged us (and not in the good way) this past weekend, however since I agreed to work today I've decided to hit it up the gym for likely what will be the last time this year. And while I do my 30 minutes of aerobic hills on the treadmill, I'm listening to this West Coast Boogaloo album by the Greyboy Allstars featuring Fred Wesley.
Strongly groove-based with lashings of inspired jazz overtones, this is no mere pedestrian funk-sampler. Joined here by legendary trombonist Fred Wesley from James Brown's revered horn-section, West Coast Boogaloo is more than a platform for the incredible talents of saxophonist and flutist Karl Denson, around whom the Greyboy Allstars were formed.
This is a true whole-band effort with earthy contributions from Robert Walter on organ and guitarist Michael Andrews (a.k.a. Elgin Park), but for me it's all about the awesome rhythm-section of bassist Chris Stillwell and the crisp snake-hipped drumming of Zak Najor. These two nearly steal the show, particularly Najor who drives this thing right into a world of wonderfulness. Denson amazes with his acid flute soloing, and his sax work is simultaneously hot and cool. Drawing inspiration from the street-wise jazz-funk of the late-60's and early-70's (including a faithful update of Rusty Bryant's Fire Eater), their love of this music is total yet they aren't afraid to attempt a reverential but modernist imprint of their own that works thanks to the clean production and sharp performances.
Definitely some funky groovin' going on on the treadmill this morning for sure!
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