FUNKALISTER
The third
album of Funkalister has arrived!
On the two
previous studio albums (Vol.1 & Vol.2) the identity of the ensemble was
heavily influenced by 70’s classic funk and soul music, but now, with this
brand new release, Vol.3, the group decided
to take a step further and created a mix of sounds very well seasoned and
spiced, showing maturity and great music skills.
The first
track “Voando Alto 1” sounds like a 1940’s era big band with a funky rhythm
section playing a dancing shuffle. The track displays the horn section of the very
well known big band The Brothers Orchestra as special guests, (both of the
groups played a couple of gigs together at the Ocidente Pub previously the
recordings, and let me tell you, I was there and the performance on both of
them was astounding!)
Imagine
Maceo Parker & The All King’s Men jamming with The Orquestra Tabajara de
Severino Araújo in a corner of the Bom Fim district. Great tune for starting a
record. This same song makes a quick “comeback” in the very end of the album.
“Resgate Do
Burro” presents the creativity and maturity of Leonardo Boff, one of the main
composers of the group. On this one, his synth sounds rock the house!
The rhythm
section consists on Everton Velasquez on electric bass, Cristiano Bertolucci on
drums and Felipe Santos on percussion. This trio is nothing but pocket! They
really did an amazing job!
Besides the
basic references that the two previously albuns displayed with richness, like
70’s disco, The Meters funk, Booker T. & The MG’s soul jazz and others, on
this new release, Vol.3, the group wanted
to go far beyond of its main influences. A great example is the tune “Coisa De
Mister”, composed by Chico Paixão (electric guitar) end Rodrigo Siervo (sax).
This track sounds like a marriage of the music of João Donato and Marcos Valle
spiced up with a cool and authentic Bossa Nova groove that is like a “red
carpet” for Mateus Mapa shine with his flute. This song also features the amazing
horn section of The Brothers Orchestra.
This new
release also shows the strong unit that is formed by the sepet, plus special
guests, like Huberto “Boquinha” Martins e Williams Rocha on trombones, Joca
Ribeiro e Jorginho on trumpets and Diego
Silveira on vibraphone. If Vol.1 and Vol.2 are like a comprise of
improvisations, a collection of good jams and a huge get together of fellow
musicians making groovy instrumental tunes just for fun, the album Vol.3 displays a more cohesive and
strong unit, especially by keeping the same rhythm section throughout the whole
album.
I still
could mention a couple of more tracks, like “Tema Para Niki Lauda”, with
reminisces me of an alternative version of “Theme Of Victory”, and the
irresistible groove of “Atraso Verdade”, a natural hit. The track “De Bico
Fechado” displays the sheer power and creative consistency of bassist
extraordinaire Everton Velasquez. And last but not least, “Detetive Silas”, in
my opinion, the “pop” song of the record, showing the different directions that
the band should embark in the years to come.
After
enjoying this amazing album, I can’t wait to go to the next gig to have a great
time listening to these guys. Long life to the FUNKALISTER crew!
PAULO
MOREIRA – Journalist and radio presenter
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