EMPHASIZER

Here is a jazz band with a cool name....and an awesome sound. They started out as a trio performing improvisational jazz and put out an E.P. Soon after, they recruited a percussionist and became a foursome and produced this album. Their sound is so varied and enjoyable, even if you are not a jazz lover, you can't deny that this is an album full of fun and excitement.

Typically, their sound is Latin-infused with a dash of fusion, a lot of funk, and a bit of crazy experimentalisation that seems to come out of nowhere, even right in the middle of a groove. This has it all when it comes to jazz style. A little blues, some conventional jazz, a lot of crazy sounds and lots of fun.

"Hard Headed Rio" is an easy Latin groove. "Spunky Monkey" is an upbeat funk fest with a good share of hooks and solos. Listen to this one, it's available to stream on this site. This one will definitely get your feet and body moving and get you excited for what's to come. Back to Latin rhythms with the predictable but still very fun "Plena for My Grundle" which has an amazing almost Spanish guitar playing against the tempting rhythms. "AFrame" comes next with a very unpredictable and surprising loud guitar burst at the beginning and now you think you are listening to a full-blown fusion band. "We See" comes next and is the least interesting of the songs, but is still a nice mellow version of the Thelonious Monk composition which is carried throughout by the sax. Probably the weakest song on the album because it is so traditional and standard compared to the rest of the album.

The surprises continue on the second half of the album, but I don't want to give too much away at this point. Just be ready for more Latin and Funk inspired jazz with some fusion added in and watch out for more things coming straight out of left field experimentation right when you least expect it. The avant garde sections keep you guessing, the funk keeps you dancing, the Latin beat keeps you moving and excited, and the fusion is amazing when it happens.

If you are looking for a very well done jazz record with a lot of variation and surprises, this is it. I highly recommend this to anyone thinking about getting into jazz music. The songs are mostly short but well-developed and the musicianship is superb. Highly recommended as an all-around bridge mixture of jazz with a lot of funk. Never boring because you are always excited to hear what is next. 4 stars, but so close to 5 because it is so enjoyable.