Customer Reviews

Back To The Funk

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I've never heard him do anything funky but he did this time. This is a "groovy" cd. From start to finish I thought everything was fantastic. I even liked some of the programmed drums. However, there was actually a drummer on this one. The accompanying artists were great. The sound of the funky trombone and soulful trumpet along with Bradley's flute makes some cool sounds. This cd is very different from his other works. I really enjoyed this one. I hope he does something similar in the future. Check this one out and you will be grooving with some smooth funky jazz. The Stevie Wonder cut, Love light in flight is a smash.

With the release of the new Album "East Coast Project" with Jason Miles coming in 2007, I decided to revisit Bradley Leighton's early 2006 release "Back to the Funk". To hear a flutist take lead on this project brings back fond memories of Dave Valentin, Yusef Lateef, Bobbi Humphrey, Herbie Mann, Hubert Laws, Alexander Zonjic, Frank Wess and others back in the day. Bradley engineers a refreshing blend of old school and new school contemporary (funk) jazz.

I agree with the Pacific Coast Jazz press release which stated: "Back To The Funk's robust horn arrangements ricochet off of slamming funk beats while his alto flute angelically rises above the gritty grooves on tracks like `Runaway,' `Clear Blue Skies' and the title cut. Leighton chills on sensual mid-tempo trysts such as `Midnight Affairs' and `Soul Moon.' Strolling back in time, Leighton dusted off three gems to revisit: Stevie Wonder's "Love Light In Flight," Ray, Goodman & Brown's `Special Lady' and Bread's soulful `Make It With You,' which were deep fried in a vat of funk. Real guitar, bass, drums, and plenty of sax, trumpet and trombone help give the record an authentic, warm feel. "

With that said, whether you are a jazz enthusiast, funk master extraordinaire or R&B listener, you will enjoy this visit "Back To The Funk", I sure did. ~the JazzeOne

I really love this CD. Leighton's alto flute gives such a rich lush sound to these tunes, particularly the pop renditions I Want to Make it With You, Love Light in Flight, and Special Lady. His playing blends so beautifully with the horns and the rhythm section. If you grew up with Tower of Power and Earth Wind and Fire, you will love this CD.