Funk

Drummer Stanton Moore does wonderful things on his album, Groove Alchemy. Alchemy, known as an ancient belief that gold could be created out of ordinary material like straw, relates well to what Moore does here. Taking ordinary wooden drum sticks, he creates a masterful funk album.

The album Funk Move, Undiscovered Funk Gems from the Far Corners of the Globe is clearly what it advertizes: The album is foreign funk at its best. Ranging from European tracks to one of the best Japanese tracks, Funk Mode is an album that would complement the funk greats.

There is something good about each of the tracks on this album. Out of all the tracks, I was blown away by the Japanese track, "Yama Yama." It starts off with the stereotypical Asian gong, and chorus of what sound like children, but has the great usage of funk guitars.

Chris Daniels and the Kings are a seven piece band that contribute a nice, bouncy and light sound that accentuates the horns, given it's a "horn band" coined name. Their contributions serve as a celebratory gesture to music which makes them so worldly.

This album by the Diplomats of Solid Sound Featuring the Diplomettes exudes the Motown sounds of the 1960s with a little jazz and swing thrown in as well. The characteristic of having the sound accompanied with many female vocals just emphasizes the harmonies and melodies of Motown; the CD follows the lead of the Supremes, minus Diana Ross. These songs could easily be atmospheric music in a very casual caf? or funky restaurant. Many of the songs are really great for dancing, especially for partners, maybe even a jive.