Releases...2000
|
The Artist |
Associates |
| Jesse Johnson (Compilation) - The Ultimate Collection | |||
Producer: Jesse Johnson
|
Notes | ||
| Jesse's finest moments and
more, captured onto one fonkay CD. An absolute must for any
self-respecting Johnson fan. Also serves as a good introduction to
those new his brand of raw, undiluted, purple-tinged, golden-age MPLS
funk/rock. Informative sleeve notes gives you the whole Jesse Johnson
story of the man who held the purple flame high in it's heyday. New track
"Vibe" is a gem. Do yourself a favor, go buy this. Standout Tracks: Damn near all of 'em Paisley Involvement: Low Experience Rating: (10/10) Good Gawd! |
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| Single Releases: | |||
| Rhonda Smith - Intellipop | |||
Producers: Rhonda Smith, Joey Sommerville, David Davinchi
|
Notes | ||
| NPG bassist Rhonda Smith
releases her first solo project independently for the Slow Wine Music
label. This is basically a smooth half instrumental/half vocal jazz
album with some funky moments. The jazz-heads amongst us will
immediately recognize the Stanley Clarke influence on Rhonda's style of
fretless bass playing all through this record. It's cool how she
manages to make the bass instrument sound like a lead guitar on some
tracks. She's a competent bass player - but not in the same league
as say Me'shell Ndegeocello. Her vocals have that breathy/sexy tone which is ok, but lacks the range and confidence needed to keep the listeners attention from drifting. The songs are about average with the standout track being the funky "Calling To Say Goodbye" displaying a few Larry Graham-esq slap-bass licks. Fellow Paisley-ites Sheila E., Kirky J., and Mike Scott show up to lend a hand on some tracks. Overall a very laid-back set that's guaranteed to soothe and relax you after a hard nights clubbing. Standout Tracks: Say, Life, Be Careful What You Wish For, Calling To Say Goodbye. Paisley Involvement: Low Experience Rating: Not bad first effort... Beauty and the bass. (6/10) |
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| Single Releases: None | |||
| Eric Leeds - Now & Again | |||
Producer: Eric Leeds
|
Notes | ||
| Solo album No. 3 for Mr. Leeds,
this time on ex-Revolution drummer Bobby Z's Zinc Records
label. Featuring guest musicians ex-NPG drummer Michael Bland and
renowned MPLS jazz keyboardist Ricky Peterson, this is more of the
immaculate latin-esque smooth jazz we've come to expect from our fave
horn/flute player. With each instrumental track averaging 8 mins,
Eric is given a chance to breath and explore his craft like never before -
it's hard to find fault in this guy. Minor quibble - there should've been
more funked-up tracks like "Queen's Plaza" on this release,
nevertheless this a must for Eric Leeds fans. Standout Tracks: Djibouti, Queen's Plaza, Mack Daddy. Paisley Involvement: None Experience Rating: Horny music for horny people.. (7/10) |
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| Single Releases: None | |||
