The Budos Band II

by The Budos Band

Overview

This Brooklyn-based instrumental collective combines slow-burn Afro-beat rhythms with a '70s soul-jazz aesthetic, the latter sound well-known by those already familiar with the Daptone label's other releases. The retro, almost blaxploitation soundtrack groove pushes the predominantly Afro style into American soul territory. They call it "Afro-soul," which neatly sums up the style but doesn't entirely do it justice; only hearing it does. Horns and horn charts dominate, which, because these sessions were recorded live in the studio, exude a spark and swing that are somewhat ominous yet hypnotically contagious. The band cites both the Sugarman 3 and Antibalas as influences, and the resulting melange is the flash point between those two acts. Unlike much Afro-beat, the Budos Band's songs are compact, with only two extended past four minutes. Titles such as "King Cobra," "Scorpion," and "Ride or Die" emphasize the underlying danger inherent in the vibe. Most impressive, though, is the collaborative aspect at work here. None of the solos are extended and the concise track times keep the music sharp and taut, creating a mood and getting out. There's a strong R&B undercurrent, especially in the bass on "His Girl," an innovative rewrite of the Temptations' "My Girl." "Origin of Man" practically begs to be the soundtrack to a film noir, and much of this would work as backing music to a typical '70s grindhouse flick, which is a high compliment. Its swirling sound crosses genres and eras with effortless precision, joining world-roots-funk with the thumping urban groove of the Western world. ~ Hal Horowitz

Product Details

Release Date:	10/30/2007
Label:	Daptone / Caroline Distribution
UPC:	0823134001114

Tracks

1. Chicago Falcon
2. Budos Rising
3. Ride or Die
4. Mas O Menos
5. Adeniji
6. King Cobra
7. His Girl
8. Origin of Man
9. Scorpion
10. Deep in the Sand

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Budos Band   Primary Artist
Cochemea Gastelum   Sax (Tenor)
Brian Profilio   Drums
Daniel Foder   Guitar (Bass)
Robert Lombardo   Bongos,Congas
Dave Guy   Trumpet
Thomas Brenneck   Guitar (Electric)
Daisy Sugarman   Flute
Jared Tankel   Sax (Baritone)
Mike Deller   Farfisa Organ
Vincent Balestrino   Shekere,Tambourine
Andrew Greene   Trumpet

Technical Credits

Gabriel Roth   Mixing,Engineer,Executive Producer
Cochemea Gastelum   Group Member
Brian Profilio   Group Member
Daniel Foder   Group Member
Robert Lombardo   Group Member
The Budos Band   Composer
Dave Guy   Group Member
Thomas Brenneck   Mixing,Group Member
Daisy Sugarman   Group Member,Executive Producer
Jared Tankel   Group Member
Anandji   Composer
Mike Deller   Group Member
Vincent Balestrino   Group Member
Andrew Greene   Group Member
Fumiko Maeda   Photography
Manny Osou   Cover Photo
Steve Berson   Mastering
Ed Vidarres   Art Direction