Label: Vintage League Music
31 Jan. 2020
Tras las buenas críticas de sus lanzamientos anteriores, llega el nuevo álbum de la banda británica de funk y soul Crowd Company. El tercer álbum de estudio de la banda "Lowdown" fue producido por Alan Evans (Soulive) y presenta en la sección de viento a Ryan Zoidis y Eric "Benny" Bloom de la banda de funk estadounidense nominada al Grammy Lettuce en todas las pistas.
"Lowdown" ve a Crowd Company en su mejor forma hasta el momento, con una rica composición de canciones combinada con ganchos pegadizos, ingeniosas interpretaciones vocales y unos ritmos para morirse. Crowd Company son conocidos por su versión moderna del funk soul de los años 70 y este nuevo lanzamiento proporciona la cantidad justa para mantenerlo cosas frescas y emocionantes. La banda presenta tres vocalistas que a menudo combinan armonías exquisitas, junto con una virtuosa musicalidad en forma de ranuras pesadas en el bolsillo, órgano de Hammond arremolinándose, cuernos apretados y latas de guitarra ardientes. Agregue a eso la producción de vibración analógica de Alan Evans (que también es invitado en uno de los temas) y el dominio impecable del ingeniero de masterización ganador del premio Grammy Brian Lucey.
El álbum consta de 10 temas vocales y 2 instrumentales. "Express 76" fue el primer sencillo del álbum y preparó el escenario para el lanzamiento de larga duración con su implacable ritmo de alta energía. La canción recibió críticas increíbles y una transmisión de radio, especialmente promovida por Craig Charles en su programa BBC Radio 6. "Lowdown" siguió como el segundo sencillo y continuó generando expectación para el álbum con su funk, atrevido y atrevido. Cuando se lanzó el tercer sencillo "Stories", estaba claro que Crowd Company había aprovechado algo realmente especial.
Posiblemente una de las bandas de funk más trabajadoras de la escena contemporánea, el calendario incansable de conciertos de Crowd Company parece haber valido la pena: ¡la banda nunca ha sonado mejor! "Lowdown" no es solo su tercer álbum de estudio, es una instantánea de una banda en plena forma, haciendo lo que aman y compartiendo eso con el mundo.
Building on the critical acclaim of their previous releases comes the new full-length from UK funk & soul band Crowd Company. The band's third studio album "Lowdown" was produced by Alan Evans (Soulive) and features horn players Ryan Zoidis and Eric "Benny" Bloom from Grammy nominated US funk band Lettuce on all tracks.
"Lowdown" sees Crowd Company in their finest form yet, with rich songwriting combined with catchy hooks, inventive vocal performances and grooves to die for. Crowd Company are known for their modern take on vintage 70s soul funk and this new release provides just the right amount of unexpected twists and turns to keep things fresh and exciting. The band features three soulful vocalists often blending exquisite harmonies, coupled with virtuoso musicianship in the form of in the pocket heavy grooves, swirling Hammond organ, tight horns and fiery guitar licks. Add to that the analog vibe production from Alan Evans (who also guests on a track) and impeccable mastering from Grammy award winning mastering engineer Brian Lucey and you have yourself a winner indeed!
The album comprises 10 vocal tracks and 2 instrumentals. "Express 76" was the first single from the album and set the stage for the full-length release with its relentless, high-energy groove. The track went on to receive incredible reviews and radio airplay, most notably being championed by Craig Charles on his BBC Radio 6 show. Infectious title track "Lowdown" followed as the second single and continued to build anticipation for the album with its snappy, sassy, sister funk. By the time third single "Stories" was released, it was clear that Crowd Company had tapped onto something really special, just press play for proof!
Album opener "A New Direction" is a super catchy tune with a sunny 60s soul funk vibe combined with some topical lyrics, punchy horns and a sing along chorus, and sees Alan Evans make a guest appearance on percussion and backing vocals. "You Ain’t Ready" and "Free To Choose" are both uptempo, dancefloor classics that are impossible not to foot tap to. "Get Used To It" is a slice of early 70s jazz funk with touches of an evocative Curtis Mayfield, and "Now Is The Time" is a classic Crowd Company funk tune, laden with vocal hooks and harmony vocal interplay between the 3 singers as well as an off the charts Hammond organ solo. While "Change Your Mind" slows down the pace, dripping with soul and passion, and featuring a sublime trumpet solo from Eric Bloom, second instrumental "Orbital" takes things in a completely different direction with a powerful funk workout and a psychedelic flavour, evoking acid jazz and even Egyption melodies.
Possible one of the hardest working funk bands of the contemporary scene, Crowd Company's tireless gig schedule seems to have paid off big time: the band have never sounded better! "Lowdown" isn't just their third studio album, it is a snapshot of a band in peak form, doing what they love, and sharing that with the world.
Produced by Alan Evans, Robert Fleming, Claudio Corona
Robert Fleming, vocals & guitar; Claudio Corona, Hammond Organ & keyboards; Emil Engström, bass; Joanne Marshall, vocals; Esther Dee, vocals; Robin Lowrey, drums; Ryan Zoidis, Saxophone; Eric Bloom, trumpet
Tracklist
1. A New Direction
2. Stories
3. You Ain't Ready
4. Now Is the Time
5. Lowdown
6. Change My Mind
7. Brooklyn Summer
8. On This Love You Can Count
9. Get Used to It
10. Free to Choose
11. Express 76
12. Orbital
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