Honolulu Playboys' debut for Instinct Records can be considered a respectful mix of
Jimmy Smith meets
Booker T. & the MGs.
Between Drinks features 14 tracks of groovin' funk, soul, and acid jazz from this U.K.-based group that gets you in the mood for a potent mix of retro soul and English dance grooves. With great songwriting by Sascha Panknin and Ted Orenstein, Lutz Krajenski is able to bring his Hammond B3 to life, shaping resonant melodies and forming compelling solos that draw on the musical influences of Smith and Booker T. and
Sly & the Family Stone. Joined by bandmembers Sergeant E. (aka Naked Navy) on guitar, Sascha Panknin on bass, Sven Kacirek on drums, and Ted Orenstein on bongos, Krajenski stirs in some hot organ, '60s beats, a dash of synthesizer, and plenty of groove on what should become a real solid vehicle for their original sensibilities. Sergeant E. turns in a great solo on "Machine Gun Kelly," complete with wah-wah licks that are a testament to his creative momentum and passion. On "Forced at Gunpoint," two guitar chords provide the backdrop for Krajenski's organ cocktail and grabs your attention just because of its minimalist approach. Overall, this is a cool debut that should soak up lots of attention for this young group. ~ Paula Edelstein