Review: The Hot 8 Brass Band 'The Life & Times Of'

THE HOT 8 BRASS BAND
The Life And Times Of
[Tru Thoughts]

Truly funky music speaks to the listener regardless of how polished it is, what genre it is, or when it was recorded. Truly funky music can be painstakingly put together electronica or loose-limbed organic live playing. Despite the good work of the Godfather, it has little to do with "the one", just ask Tony Allen or Sly Dunbar. Hell, even a brass band can be truly, mind-blowingly funky, just take a listen to The Hot 8 Brass Band. Direct from the Second Line streets of New Orleans and breaking out of the city with the most lively and energetic version of Marvin Gaye's classic Sexual Healing these ears have ever encountered, the band's debut album dropped in 2007 on Tru Thoughts. Coming through the horrific experiences of Hurricane Katrina and losing several members of their group (two to street violence) has been taxing for the Hot 8, but they've returned with a brand new album, proving they're no one-trick pony. The Life And Times Of is a trip. A beautifully vibrant and raggedly funky brass band take on soul, funk and hip hop, the record is far from being slickly produced - but the sheer exuberance they've captured among the warts and all is nothing short of infectious. With a clutch of original tunes alongside covers of Basement Jaxx's Bingo Bango and The Specials' Ghost Town, it's clear that while these guys are serious about playing brass instruments, they don't take themselves too seriously. Recommended.

3 and 1/2 stars from 5

Review: Seun Anikulapo Kuti & Egypt 80 'From Africa With Fury: Rise'

SEUN ANIKULAPO KUTI & EGYPT 80

From Africa With Fury: Rise

[Knitting Factory Records / Because Music]

So it does run in the family. From Africa With Fury: Rise is the second album from Seun Kuti, youngest son of Nigerian firebrand and Afrobeat innovator - some would say inventor, but I give Tony Allen props - Fela Kuti. Seun played alongside Fela in the mighty Egypt 80 as a boy, but age has not wearied the band, with the extraordinary power and scorching rhythms found here belying their many years in the game. This is a much more satisfying album than 2008's Many Things, showing Seun finding his own voice as a songwriter, singer and bandleader. Produced by Brian Eno (yes, that one) with John Reynolds, From Africa With Fury is a monster fed by breakneck tempos and combative lyricism. While there is weight to the argument it suffers from a lack of diversity, that's a minor gripe when the excitement levels are set so high. Embrace the fury!

3 and 1/2 stars from 5