Chops ‘n Soul is a powerhouse combo that brings the funk and soul exactly the way you like it.
Gimmee The Grease
Chops ‘n Soul
8 tracks / 22:02
The Chops ‘n Soul are just about as funky as they wanna’ be – and they definitely are feeling funky on Gimmee The Grease, the eight-song funk-fest that brings together the infectious, hot grooves of The Chops Horns and the soulful, gospel-influenced vocals and keyboard of Newworldson’s Joel Parisien.
Starting out with the title track, an in-the-pocket instrumental groove that dares you not to move your body, David Watson alternates tasty flute licks with thick, juicy baritone sax while Darryl Dixon and Freddie Hendrix join in on alto sax and trumpet, respectively, filling out some signature Chops Horns riffs. Mark Rogers’ tight, earthy drumming provides a strong backbeat and just the right amount of tasty fills, perfectly complimenting the chunky vibe of Josh Toal’s electric guitar and Rick Moore’s driving, serpentine bass lines. Parisien’s organ provides texture and soul into the mix, and before the first track is done you know you’re hearing a group that can stand alongside the likes of Tower of Power and Booker T and the MGs.
The funk gets nice and greasy in “Bucket O’ Chicken,” as Parisien delivers a vocal that’s finger-lickin’ good, and things don’t let up until the eighth track closes the album with a Shaft/Temptations – inspired instrumental leaning a little more towards a smooth pop/jazz. In between, we get plenty of music that will make you want to dance.
“Old School” will make you want ‘pick up your pants’ and dance to the vintage vibe. “Halloween” is a rhythmic treat whose main trick is mixing some modern synth sounds with the organ solo.
The street-jazz flavor of “Ghosts of New Orleans” brings a little spice into the mix, and the funky rock of “Little Birdie” brings a free-flowing jam with clever lyrics and outstanding horn and keyboard work. Preceding that aforementioned last track, “We Came To Ball” is a horn-driven celebration that would fit right into Sly Stone’s repertoire.
Guests on the project include Bernie Worrell, Tony Monaco, Fred Wesley, and Dennis Chambers – but the core band of The Chops and Parisien are a powerhouse combo that bring the funk and soul exactly the way you like it. You’ll be wanting to dip into this bucket o’ chicken again and again….
Bert Saraco
