GROOVE COLLECTIVE
Declassified (Shanachie)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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The term "acid jazz" is used as a catch-all for bands of high caliber musicians who make music that defies categorization. A better term for most of them would be "acid funk," as that seems to be the usual direction. Groove Collective sure can be funky, but they fit the "acid jazz" label much better than their contemporaries. Songs like "Some People" are showcases for dizzying talents, inventive solos (are they improvised?) and unexpected arrangements. The stew they create can be astounding: electronica-esque hypno-grooves, intriguing hip-hop vocal interjections, liquid funk overtones and delicate vibraphone embellishments all in the same song. This is the kind of music that puts the listener in a contemplative state, opening the creative side of the brain. How else would one appreciate a 46 second percussion track? The fact that the Collective included it tells you something about their objective: if it feels good, play it. Declassified feels just right.

© 2000 - DJ Johnson