Roots & Grooves [2 CD]

Roots & Grooves [2 CD]

This appropriately titled two-disc set finds famed ex-James Brown horn man Maceo Parker cutting loose with Germanyâ€™s incredible WDR Big Band. The first disc features a swinging Ray Charles tribute and the second, subtitled "Back to Funk," has the alto saxophonist and vocalist taking it to the bridge on the music he is famous for. Although not known for his singing, Parker acquits himself well, especially on the Charles material, when he sounds like a gruffer version of Brother Ray. The band boasts 15 horns (five each of saxes, trumpets, and trombones) pushing hard and tight through nearly two hours of music. The opening "Hallelujah I Love Her So" and the closing, nine-minute "Whatâ€™d I Say" from the first platter are standouts connecting with crisp, vibrant charts and a vigorous attack. But even ballads "Georgia on My Mind" and "You Donâ€™t Know Me" register, due to Parkerâ€™s obvious glee in performing this material along with his groupâ€™s sheer talent and a wildly appreciative audience. The funk segment shoots the intensity up a few more notches with Parliament-Funkadelic alumni Dennis Chambers (drums) and Rodney "Skeet" Curtis (bass) driving the energy to uncommonly soulful and sweaty peaks. The concept of playing hard funk with a brassy big band in tow is somewhat unusual, but the results smash all preconceptions. Parkerâ€™s dueling alto battle with Karolina Strassmayer on "To Be or Not to Be" and a rousing 17-minute version of the J.B.â€™s classic "Pass the Peas" are just a few highlights of this rollicking, electrifying set. --Hal Horowitz
Country USA
Brand TELARC
Manufacturer Heads Up
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber 3502789
Model 3849934
ReleaseDate 2008-02-12
UnitCount 1
UPCs 053361313425
EANs 0053361313425

Country	USA
Brand	TELARC
Manufacturer	Heads Up
Binding	Audio CD
ItemPartNumber	3502789
Model	3849934
ReleaseDate	2008-02-12
UnitCount	1
UPCs	053361313425
EANs	0053361313425

Roots & Grooves [2 CD]

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