Customer Reviews

Cool & Steady & Easy

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one funky CD. Its funky but not too hip-hoppy, not too acid jazzy either. A solid rythm section holds the bottom end while horns and/or vocals literally bounce and float over the top.

Although this album in very New York (and these guys play live here all the time) anyone who likes jazz infused funk will be into this. Its not as light as the James Taylor Quartet and not as poppy or "British" as the Brand New Heavies, although in many ways, this disc is similar to both of them.

The Brooklyn Funk Essentials are more funky and jazzy with some reggae and world beats thrown in. This is outstanding funk with a spiritual, "feel good" influence. Check out tunes like "The Creator Has a Master Plan" and "Take the L Train." You won't be dissappointed.

Hey, let me just say this, if you haven't purchased this CD yet just go on and put it in your shopping cart right now!!! BFE's "Cool and Steady and Easy" CD hands the listener an eclectic offering of a acid-jazz-funk-soul-hip/hop mixture that totally succeeds and it is no doubt as you listen to each track that these folks had nothing but absolute fun putting this CD together! It sounds that good!!!

First introduced to BFE's funky, hard driving music-style while frantically driving a friend to the airport and in the frenzy of almost missing her flight, I later found myself the proud new owner of one of the best mixtures of acid-jazz-funk-soul-hip/hop influenced music that ever hit my ears!

Totally danceable, every track will get your feet moving; trust me, its totally impossible and absolutely irresistible trying to remain seated and simply listen to this jazz-funk-soul-hip/hop offering! If this CD doesn't find a permanent place in your CD player . . . well, I can't find the words right now except that it should, so what are you waiting for, click this CD into your shopping cart and dance, dance, dance and enjoy the music! Oh, and don't worry, I couldn't totally dis' my friend, besides, she missed this CD immediately once she settled in so I brought her a new copy!

Brooklyn Funk Essentials' "Cool Steady and Easy" CD has spent more time in my CD player over the past couple of years than probably any other disc and with good reason. BFE is able to shift gears between instrumental jazz ("Take the L Train"), jazz-influenced funk (" The Creator Has A Master Plan," "Bop Hop," "Blow your Brains Out"), and tracks like "The Revolution Was Postponed Because Of Rain," that are just funny. The latter song describes the many pitfalls that befall a group planning a revolution, including being delayed by a new trainee cashier at a fast-food restaurant who wails, "Ahh, where's the button for the fries?" as the revolutionaries' moment of opportunity slips away. The musicians are excellent (they were all professional studio musicians before forming BFE), as are the vocalists. The sampling is appropriate to the music and adds texture - too many groups don't seem to be thinking when they throw in another James Brown sample. The music is loaded with energy as opposed to the more mellow offerings by other jazz-influenced groups like Morcheeba or Massive Attack. A good soundtrack to an urban summer, this CD showcases the flamboyant side of New York ("Big Apple Boogaloo" can be heard in the film "Party Girl") and is appropriate for just about any occasion. It is rare to find a disc that is this much fun; the musicians obviously had a good time with it, and the listener is drawn in to the fun as well. Buy it immediately.

An absolute must for fans of funk and jazz fusion. The album melds together R&B, jazz, salsa and rap - with the tracks laid against the sounds of urban life - for a deliciously funky package. Highly recommend to those who enjoy Liquid Soul and The Brand New Heavies - of this genre, this is my personal favorite!

I'm just a white country boy who worked in NYC for 10 years before escaping back to the Arizona desert. But being part of NYC teaches you the meaning and flavor of funk, and once it is in your blood, it never washes out. Some of the best funk/jazz in NYC can be found in the subway system, and not in the grand halls. Right from the heart, nothing is pasturized. And Brooklyn? Brooklyn is the coolest and funkiest part of the New York scene. George Clinton is hiding behind every steet sign, just waiting to deliver a message directly into your soul.

I bought this CD on a whim. Never heard of Brooklyn Funk Essential before. To be honest, I liked the name! But inside of 10 minutes I knew I was going to wear out this CD. These guys understand the Big Apple trip and the funk gospel. And they successfully do this without being offensive, on the contrary, they draw you in and win you over. They earn your respect. The driving urban sound is powerful and complex. Each cut is unique, yet ties the whole thing together. "Stickman crossing the Brooklyn Bridge" is worth the price alone!

I have since searched the web for other work of these young and talented musicians. I've found a few things and I've bought them all. Amazon.com has a standing order to give me anything these cats turn out. I'm a BFE fan, no matter where I am living.

I, ususlly a fan of orchestral music, was pleasantly surprised by this album. Every track is different and fun. The musicians perform excellently and the songs are well writen. I don't ever get bored listening to this one.

I completely agree w/ the other reviewers kudos for BFE and this CD. I also bought it on a whim while living in NYC and looking to broaden my musical horizons. It's f-ing brilliant and never fails to put me in a great mood. Musically, it's inventive, smart, well-written, well-produced. It's THE BEST cd for background music at a party as well. People always inquire about it...

Start with some funky old jazz,mix in the right amount of horns,baseline,flute and even a little xylophone.Now sprinkle with a pinch of scratch,a spoon of salasa and a scoop of humor.Cook on high for 12 tracks and you'll have the tastiest stew your ears ever consumed.

Cool and Steady and Easy is a masterpiece. It is a masterpiece of funk done right. As always, the Brooklyn Funk Essentials are grooving and are as funky as they wanna be and then some. This cd proves it!
Providing a real smooth ride from start to finish without any detours, every song on this disc is kickin'.
Personally I was hooked on the first listen. I am extremely pleased to have this music as a part of my collection/library.
If you enjoy a righteous mix of funk, jazz, acid-jazz, R & B, hip-hop, and reggae with a dash of salsa, then get this cd. Put the player on repeat, and take the journey! You will certainly enjoy the ride.
5 stars and then some!

I'm just a white country boy who worked in NYC for 15 years before escaping back to the Arizona desert. But being part of NYC teaches you the meaning and flavor of funk, and once it is in your blood, it never washes out. Some of the best funk/jazz in NYC can be found in the subway system, and not in the grand halls. Right from the heart, nothing is pasturized. And Brooklyn? Brooklyn is the coolest and funkiest part of the New York scene. George Clinton is hiding behind every street sign, just waiting to deliver a message directly into your soul.

I bought this CD on a whim. Never heard of Brooklyn Funk Essential before. To be honest, I liked the name! But inside of 10 minutes I knew I was going to wear out this CD. These guys understand the Big Apple trip and the funk gospel. And they successfully do this without being offensive (unlike "Make 'em like it"), on the contrary, they draw you in and win you over. They earn your respect. The driving urban sound is powerful and complex. Each cut is unique, yet ties the whole thing together. "Stickman crossing the Brooklyn Bridge" is worth the price alone!