CD Reviews-July 2002

The Malcolm Clark Band: Stories For The Blue - NW
Combining shades of Jazz, Latin, and Funk, singer/songwriter Malcolm Clark and his band deliver a top-notch debut of stripped down and totally exposed blues. Less than three years old, The Malcolm Clark Band is already gaining regional acclaim in its hometown of Tacoma, Washington as well as sister city, Seattle, and has become an essential element on the Northwest festival circuit. The band plays a traditional and acoustic style of blues, which is clean and unadulterated, which sets them apart from many others in the area. Comprised of all original material, the record kicks off with the laid-back shuffle, "Lucille", which immediately showcases two essential ingredients of the Malcolm Clark Band's sound: Smokin' Joe Straight's tasty harmonica playing and Ernie Perea's flowing saxophone, both of which are featured throughout this recording. Two songs that dip their toes into the Caribbean, "Nevy's Song" and "Gunslinger Jim", include Ernie on flute amongst Latin beats, indigenous percussion and Clark's inventive story-telling lyrics. Malcolm's meticulous finger picking style is introduced on "Baby Walks With Me" and continues throughout the entire disc.

"Not Your Ordinary Blues" is The Malcolm Clark Band's self-proclaimed motto and this recording is evidence of that. Being rooted in a smooth Chicago Blues style but employing traditional instrumentation to create a distinctive sound is what gives this record merit.
- Tony Engelhart

FunkinGroovin: Made for Pleasure - NW
The band FunkinGroovin claims that they're the NW's premier burned-out over-the-hill old rock & roller's really original Blues Band with sunglasses. Well, if they're burned out and over the hill, I'll eat my dancin' shoes. Well, not really…once you hit 40-something, the black stilettos go and are replaced by high-top tennis shoes. Regardless of what shoes you're wearing, your feet will move to the funk and the groove of FunkinGroovin's new CD, Made for Pleasure.

Now, as some of you remember, their last CD, Easy To Look At, But So Hard To Get Along With, sported a scantily-clad blonde draped over a white bear rug. (I often wondered who would get to the band first, the animal activists or the feminist coalition.) But, hey, the music was great and the CD cover didn't hurt the sales any. So this time, the guys decided to tone down the cover with a pair of bright, shiny ruby red lips (whose, I'm not sure, but I think they belong to Kelsie Love or at least that's what I understand).

FunkinGroovin does it again with their newest 12-song all original CD. One pleasant surprise was the addition of WBS's "Entertainer of the Year," and "Horn Player of the Year," Randy Oxford. Randy, who plays trombone on several tracks, adds an element of sophistication and harmonic interest to the CD. Regular members include Al Earick on guitar & vocals, Scott "Skye" Mitchell on harmonica & vocals, Jim Cree on drums & vocals, and Charlie Valentine on bass & vocals.

Track one, "Lips," is a funky, soulful tune with a hard-driving groove. "Well, you burnt up my toast and drank my whisky, poisoned my cat, and kicked my dog…but the one thing I know I'll always treasure…those lips, lips made for pleasure." (Not sure if there are any lips worth putting up with burnt toast.) Track four, "Two Brother's Blues" is a nice easy medium shuffle with tight harmonies and harmonica lead. The tune is well-placed and a good variation, as it follows three tracks of heavy funk grooves. Probably my favorite track is "Close to You." It is reminiscent of the old, slow, sultry 70s funk that just made you want to get up and shake it…though not quite as hard as you used to…Another excellent track is "These Blues" - a Texas-style shuffle with searing guitar solo by Al Earick, and a great back beat that complements the union between bass and drums. I will leave the other tracks for the listener to critique and enjoy, and hopefully place at the top of their CD collection.

Made for Pleasure, by FunkinGroovin IS a pleasure to listen to and (if you're still able to get around on those black high-heeled stilettos) to dance to as well. I highly recommend this CD. And, especially to all the NW funk aficionados who just want to get out and shake it - go see the band! They're excellent live too.
- Julie Powers