Barrio Jazz Gang
It was 2002 when the Barrio Jazz Gang’s first CD, “Spectrum”, was released, venturing into Nu Jazz territory with an electronic flair. They quickly became an Italian reality with strong northern european influences from Germany and France but maintaing their strong Mediteranean melodic flavor. The two tracks that created the most buzz at that time were: “Linda Cançao” and “Chok-a-blok Avenue”. The first became a “must”, so to speak, in the NuJazz world due to it’s smooth feel and was added to many chill-out and lounge/dance playlists. The second was noted for it’s Afro-Jazz and South American groove became a floor-filler in the most refined international clubs. Their new project is entitled “2”, simbolic of duality, partnership, yin-yang, polarity, stereophonic sound, binary rhythms and so on.... but the strongest significance of the title can be found in the sense of continuity and evolution of the sound they created with their groundbreaking first project, “Spectrum”, which received unanimous acclaim from the international community, great reviews and inclusion in playlist all over the Web even now, years after it’s initial release! This new chapter, “2”, is a work born from the union of producer/composer Roby Collela (founder of Funky Juice Records) and co-producer/composer and guitarist Steve Micarelli. The space it comes alive in is first and foremost a very groovy place... full of vital beats that flow in a crescendo of tension/release bringing you to a place where new aural horizons unfold continually before you, constantly mutating and morphing in fascinating ways. It’s rhythms are enriched by the sound of live horns and ethnic instruments; sitars, tabla and tampoura. Many of it’s tracks are graced by the vocal presence of Pauline London, another wonderful talent from the Funky Juice Records family. Pauline is also the lyricist for these songs. The material ranges from the sunny mood of “Entre o ceo o mar”, dedicated to the beautiful beaches of Brazil, to the deeper and socially aware “Safe Under the Sun”, an inspired call for planetary harmony. “Kobra Smile” This “Indo-RnB” number features baritone sax blowing over a tampoura and tabla-driven groove. “Five Apple-Maples” A tribute to the Paul Desmond jazz classic “Take Five” but projected into the Third Millenium by a tasty 5/4 electronic loop. “Take yr Freedom Back” A hot Latin-Funk groove provides the setting for Pauline London’s vocalizations. Here, Pauline uses her voice as an instrument to lead us into this soft and sensual world. The horn section is tight and the solos are hot. Check out the stellar work of Steve Micarelli (gtr) and Carlo Micheli (sax). “Jumpclub” The most representative track and natural successor to the popular “Chok-a-blok Avenue”. It evolves thematically and rhythmically, creating a truly fresh concept of jazz, danceable yet hypnotically fascinating. “Spanish Market” We find ourselves in the south of Spain where the Arab influence is strong. Here BJG pulls out the best horns riifs & guitar patterns in support of trumpet master Eddie Henderson’s jazz soloing over this Morriconi-like guitar theme. “Entre o ceo o mar” Radio-oriented while retaining it’s harmonic and instrumental richness. Pauline’s vocal take us to that special place between “the sky and the sea...” “Amor para soñhar” This Bossa-Nova influenced song will have you singing for a long time after you hear it...possibly in the shower in some tropical paradise! “One Mile to Mumbai” Imagine a musical journey to an Indo-oriental Metropolis, sometime in the future but it’s a retro-future. Sitar sounds kick us into this kaleidescopic soundscape... “Nude Look” Intimately psychedelic...this track surrounds you, caresses you...soft textures, it’s voices call to you, the flute draws you in deeper and deeper until you are overwhelmed by the perfume of sonic love breezes...listen to this with someone special! “Free as the Wind” Soft, dreamy funk...glancing back to the ‘70’s... Vibraphone, guitar, and clavinet will take you there! “Safe Under the Sun” Vocal/horn unison melodic treatment riminescent will remind you of the atmospheres created by Trovajoli or Morriconi. “Sunday Show (remix) ” Here we go! Mainstream Nu Jazz is in full effect. Elvin Jones-style cymbal work over a “4 on the floor” bass drum beat drives this groove in support of veteran trumpet jazzer Eddie Henderson’s flights of fantasy. Wow! The Benson –flavored guitar and repitive, mantra-like vocal phrasing seals the deal on this definitely groovin’ track! :: Cd and Digital release out Now Barrio Jazz Gang are: Roberto Colella (a.k.a Roby J.C.) – Computer programming, keys, sampler. Stefano Micarelli - Computer programming, Electric guitar, Sitar, bongo. Additional Musicians: Eddie Henderson on trumpet on tracks: “Spanish Market” and “Sunday Show” Carlo Micheli : Tenor Sax,Alto Sax, Baritone Sax, Flute Aldo Bassi : Trumpet Pauline London : voice All tracks composed by: Roberto Colella (a.k.a Roby J.C.) and Stefano Micarelli Expect for : “ Entre o céu e o mar” by Stefano Micarelli And “Nude Look” by Roberto Colella - All lirycs by Paola Fortini Artistic Production and Executive Production: Roby J.Colella and Stefano Micarelli All tracks published by : Surabaya music publishing (p) & © 2010 – Funky juice rec. / Surabaya music publishing
Band Website: www.funkyjuice.com
http://www.myspace.com/barriojazzgang Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
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