Strength

Strength

Hard Groove, the 2003 debut album from this Roy Hargrove-led ensemble, introduced the world to their ultra hip fusion of jazz, soul, funk, and hip-hop. Featuring a range of guests from rapper Common to singers Erykah Badu and D'Angelo, Hard Groove offered a number of scintillating highpoints, although it didn't quite keep its momentum all the way through. This 45-minute EP is even more rewarding than its predecessor, focusing most intently on the funk side of the equation. The rhythm section's grooves are super tight while the horns, led by Hargrove on trumpet, are loose and lively--a deadly combination. This is driving, exciting, infectious music, especially their workouts of Karl Denson's "Rich Man's Welfare" and Eddie Harris's "Listen Here." While the title track is a nod toward contemporary R&B, most of the disc simply smokes, proving the RH Factor to be a fiery funk-jazz force. --Marc Greilsamer
Country USA
Manufacturer Verve
Binding Audio CD
UnitCount 1
Format EP
UPCs 602498633489
EANs 0602498633489
ReleaseDate 2004-09-28

You might also like...