Chuck MangioneFor your consideration, a list of albums I discovered this year, so far...
Funk
It seems 2009 is all about the funk for me.
George Duke - Dukey Treats (2008)
The legendary jazzman George Duke plays some great funky fusion on his latest album. With elements of R&B and Soul, this Jazz-Funk album should appeal to many audiences.
Maceo Parker - Funkoverload (1998) and Dial: Maceo (2000)
I rediscovered Maceo Parker this year. These two albums coincide with the period when Maceo collaborated with Prince.
The Phenomenal Handclap Band - The Phenomenal Handclap Band (2009)
Self-titled debut by this supergroup which includes Jon Spencer among many others.
Łąki Łan - Łąki Łan (2005) and Łąki Łanda (2009)
Two albums from the Polish alt-folk funky freaks Łąki Łan. Both albums are really worth listening to.
The Brand New Heavies - All About the Funk (2004)
A good attempt by The Brand New Heavies. Although somewhat uneven, there are a few great song.
Mayer Hawthorne - A Strange Arrangement (2009)
Is it 2009 or 1969? You may have trouble guessing if you listen to this brand new album from a brand new act: Mayer Hawthorne. Sounds a little bit too even for soul, but his songs have plenty of heart. Easy, laid back compositions, heart-wrenching lyrics and a great sense of humor.
Not Funk, but also great
Chuck Mangione - Children Of Sanchez (1978)
This fusion of jazz and progressive rock is legendary among some. With a selection of Spanish and Latin-flavored instrumentals, a concept-album of sorts. Soft, quiet, beautiful, yet with enough kick to be exciting.
David Peña Dorantes - Orobroy (1998)
Instrumental piano album by a Spanish Możdżer. Very nice, contemplative music, which mixes classical piano with Spanish folk inspirations.
She & Him - Volume 1 (2008)
A stunning album by the actress Zooey Deschanel and musician M. Ward. They play a light pop stylized to sound like it came from the '60s or even '50s with elements of alternative country. Zooey's voice is clear and confident, while remaining soothing and beautiful. The arrangements by M. Ward complete the picture. Through and through, a great album.
Just Jack - All Night Cinema (2009)
The third installment from Just Jack. Great easy-listening pop with elements of hip-hop, electronica and dance beats. The song The Day I Died is a must!
Sofa - DoReMiFaSoFa (2009)
This playful tribute to the roots of hip-hop could have arisen anywhere in the world, but it happened in Poland. The six-piece and guests show off rapping skills on par with any white men, while at the same time mixing in a more serious attitude and topics then most.
NATU + Envee - Maupka Comes Home (2008)
The singer is a young girl named Natalia Przybysz (Natu), who mixes R'n'B with hints of jazz and pop with the ease of a much more experienced artist. The album was produced by Envee, who left no thread untouched, making this a thoroughly enjoyable listen.
Funk
It seems 2009 is all about the funk for me.
George Duke - Dukey Treats (2008)
The legendary jazzman George Duke plays some great funky fusion on his latest album. With elements of R&B and Soul, this Jazz-Funk album should appeal to many audiences.
Maceo Parker - Funkoverload (1998) and Dial: Maceo (2000)
I rediscovered Maceo Parker this year. These two albums coincide with the period when Maceo collaborated with Prince.
The Phenomenal Handclap Band - The Phenomenal Handclap Band (2009)
Self-titled debut by this supergroup which includes Jon Spencer among many others.
Łąki Łan - Łąki Łan (2005) and Łąki Łanda (2009)
Two albums from the Polish alt-folk funky freaks Łąki Łan. Both albums are really worth listening to.
The Brand New Heavies - All About the Funk (2004)
A good attempt by The Brand New Heavies. Although somewhat uneven, there are a few great song.
Mayer Hawthorne - A Strange Arrangement (2009)
Is it 2009 or 1969? You may have trouble guessing if you listen to this brand new album from a brand new act: Mayer Hawthorne. Sounds a little bit too even for soul, but his songs have plenty of heart. Easy, laid back compositions, heart-wrenching lyrics and a great sense of humor.
Not Funk, but also great
Chuck Mangione - Children Of Sanchez (1978)
This fusion of jazz and progressive rock is legendary among some. With a selection of Spanish and Latin-flavored instrumentals, a concept-album of sorts. Soft, quiet, beautiful, yet with enough kick to be exciting.
David Peña Dorantes - Orobroy (1998)
Instrumental piano album by a Spanish Możdżer. Very nice, contemplative music, which mixes classical piano with Spanish folk inspirations.
She & Him - Volume 1 (2008)
A stunning album by the actress Zooey Deschanel and musician M. Ward. They play a light pop stylized to sound like it came from the '60s or even '50s with elements of alternative country. Zooey's voice is clear and confident, while remaining soothing and beautiful. The arrangements by M. Ward complete the picture. Through and through, a great album.
Just Jack - All Night Cinema (2009)
The third installment from Just Jack. Great easy-listening pop with elements of hip-hop, electronica and dance beats. The song The Day I Died is a must!
Sofa - DoReMiFaSoFa (2009)
This playful tribute to the roots of hip-hop could have arisen anywhere in the world, but it happened in Poland. The six-piece and guests show off rapping skills on par with any white men, while at the same time mixing in a more serious attitude and topics then most.
NATU + Envee - Maupka Comes Home (2008)
The singer is a young girl named Natalia Przybysz (Natu), who mixes R'n'B with hints of jazz and pop with the ease of a much more experienced artist. The album was produced by Envee, who left no thread untouched, making this a thoroughly enjoyable listen.
