Since both reedman
Karl Denson and keyboardist
Robert Walter have busy solo careers, there is a nine-year gap between this release and
Greyboy Allstars' last in 1997. Little has changed in the band's sound though, as the collective, with assistance from producer
DJ Greyboy himself, who had been missing from the act that bears his name, rejoins for its third studio set. Although the bulk of the soloing is by
Denson and
Walter, it's the rhythm section of bassist
Chris Stillwell and especially drummer Zak Najor that tightens the rubber band driving this music. Most of the album is instrumental but a few vocals pop up throughout to keep listeners on their toes. The most attention grabbing track features a vocal trio named the Living Sisters -- comprised of
Inara George,
Eleni Mandell and
Becky Stark -- who contribute a sort of twisted
Andrews Sisters slant on the
Nancy Wilson '60s hit "How Glad I Am." It's one of the album's most concise and tightest performances and is not coincidentally the first (and likely only) single.
George also appears in a supporting role on the get on the good foot funk of "Still Waiting," another vocal.
Denson picks up flute for a shoulder shimmying "Deck Shoes" and "Back in the Game," sparring with
Walter's B-3 on the latter for a classic example of the hip shaking funk this band seems to lay down in its sleep. The tune also features a
George Benson-influenced solo from guitarist
Elgin Park who generally lays low for the majority of the set, preferring to stick with rhythm. The album kicks off with a sizzling two-and-a-half minute slab of hot sauce in "V Neck Sweater" and never lets up from there. At its best, this band combines
James Brown's knack for slamming riffs with the swinging groove of
the Crusaders. It makes for a heady, irresistible sound perfect for the dancefloor or a top-down convertible ride on a sunny day. ~ Hal Horowitz