The Funky Knuckles: The Way It Is

Horns, Guitars, and propelling rhythms kick off “I Believe�, as I enjoy my first taste of The Funky Knuckles. I recently saw bassist Wes Stephenson with the Mark Lettieri Group, and my buddy George Lamie from 4Fusion Friday told me I must check this band out. The song has a chill vibe, but the soloing is amazing on both guitar and trumpet. I am already a fan (or a Knucklehead as they refer to their followers), and it didn’t take long, this music is infectious, melodic, and incorporates plenty of twists and turns keeping it interesting. “Montana� is another intricate yet catchy track with superb horn arrangements and fiery guitar. The laid back chill vibe of “2020� works with some subtle lead guitar, but gains intensity as the song progresses.

You get plenty of good soloing, and good songs. This album is a grower; I like it more with each listen. The songs continue to reveal something new; I find it more powerful as I get familiar with the music. It takes time with instrumental music to find those melodies or grooves to hang on to, but they are here. Listening to “Back Meetings�, the instruments are so well placed in the mix, each providing a perfect part that makes the whole song work. “Mind Runs� features some intense soloing, but the song itself has such a laid back quality. “Loquacious� might be the most interesting piece of music, as it is an all-out assault, and feels like the band is in jam mode, going for broke. I promise you all the nuances will show themselves with repeated listens to this album.

Track List:
1. I Believe
2. Montana
3. 2020
4. Back Meetings
5. Social Distancing
6. Mind Runs
7. Beyond Us
8. What It Is
9. Loquacious
10. Forever Is Not Natural

Added: June 17th 2023
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 394
Language: english

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