Not only did I know nothing about Slang before receiving their new CD Los Locos, I found it hard to actually do any real research on the band at the Carbon 7 Records website. But what I do know is that Los Locos is ultra-hip. This instrumental CD has Jazz, World, and Rock all over it. Francois Garny is the driving force behind Slang and plays an array of basses as the lead instrument. Counter-melody and soloing is provided by Manuel Hermia on saxophones and flute. The three-some is rounded out by percussionist Michel Seba.
Los Locos starts out with the opening jazz-fusion number "Slang", but it is the world-beat music of "Essaouria" that introduces us to the talent that is Slang. This piece moves in and out of sounds and themes and completely engulfs the listener. "Do You Think I Should" and "Wank" are both co-written by Garny and Hermia and contain the best sax work on the CD. Both of these songs put to shame anything coming out of the contemporary-jazz scene. The highlight of the CD though is "Bichique". This is the definition of power-jazz-trio with the soaring cymbal work of Seba setting up the ultimate in groove bass playing, with the saxophone once again providing the lead riffs that counter the bass perfectly.
If you like your jazz free and flowing, with just the right amount of improvisation, then I can not recommend a CD higher than Los Locos. I will be watching and learning as much about Slang as I can.
Track Listing
01. Slang (5:50)
02. Essaouira (5;26)
03. Bichique (6:01)
04. Crazy (3:53)
05. Espejo Del Alma (3:19)
06. Do You Think I Should ? (3:50)
07. Ilham (5:16)
08. Wank (4:32)
09. 3 Of Us (3:21)
10. Los Locos (5:01)
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
