February 16, 2010

The Bamboos Slyly Turn It Up

The Bamboos are an Aussie group that play down and dirty funky, soul jazz. The group started out as a four-piece combo in 2000, but over the years has expanded with a full horn section, and the addition of vocalist Kylie Auldist.

2010 sees them rolling out their fifth studio disk, strangely titled 4. No matter, this album smokes. There's bound to be something for everyone on here, from the opener, the aptly named "On The Sly", with the inestimable Ms. Auldist, to the Lalo Schifrin like "Red Triangle", to the sitar-fueled "Up On The Hill" which brings to mind Nicola Conte. There's another voice featured as well, Lyrics Born joined the band for their 2009 single "Turn It Up" a very Stax like bit of soul, and Born does a good job of delivering a funky, James Brown styled performance. With the Stax sound covered, the band also gives a nod to motown with the lively, bouncy, "Never Be The Girl". Soul lovers are going to be in heaven when they crank this one up.

The Bamboos -- Turn It Up