Groove is King is the sophomore release from the Rock Candy Funk Party, an all-star instrumental outfit whose goal is to bring the '70s & '80s funk and jazz back to modern music. Led by drummer Tal Bergman and guitarist Joe Bonamassa, the band also features guitarist Ron DeJesus, bassist Mike Merritt, keyboard player Renato Neto, trumpet legend Randy Brecker, sax players Ada Rovatti & James Campagnola, percussionist Daniel Sadownick, vocal arranger Zia, and keyboard player/strings & orchestral arranger Fred Kron. This follow-up to their stellar debut features 16 tracks of all original material and two covers, expertly played and with plenty of groove.
If upbeat, funk & jazz is your thing, chances are you are going to have a ton of fun with this album. Bonamassa & DeJesus lay down a wide variety of crisp riffs, silky jazz lines, and ferocious rock & funk solos, with the groove laden rhythms of Bergman & Merritt anchoring everything just perfectly. "The Fabulous Tales of Two Band" sees ripping guitars firing over techno beats and zig zagging keyboards, while the cover of Peter Gabriel's "Digging in the Dirt" needs to be heard to be believed. The title track thumps, bumps, and grinds, and "Low Tide" has some of the nastiest bottom end this side of Parliament or Funkadelic. The horn section works wonders on the raucous "Uber Station", and you'll be transported back to the '70s disco era on the bouncy "Don't Be Stingy with the SMPTE".
Killer playing, magical grooves, and memorable melodies make up the bulk of Groove is King, a guaranteed good time for any fan of upbeat instrumental music. Toss in an equally enjoyable DVD titled 'Behind the Groove' which goes behind the scenes on the making of the album, and you have another incredible release from the hottest party animals in the world.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1. Introducing the Master of Ceremonies Mr. Funkadamus 0:30
2. Groove is King 3:28
3. Low Tide 2:49
4. Uber Station 5:04
5. East Village 6:54
6. If Six Was Eight 4:44
7. Cube's Brick 7:32
8. And Now a Word from Our Fine Sponsors With Mr. Funkadamus 0:17
9. Don't Be Stingy With The Smpte 5:16
10. C You on the Flip Side 5:07
11. Digging in the Dirt 6:19
12. Don't Funk With Me 5:55
13. The 6 Train to the Bronx 6:10
14. Rock Candy 5:27
15. Mr. Funkadamus Thanks All the Senors But Especially the Senoritas 0:27
16. The Fabulous Tales of Two Bands 5:39
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