Funk Ain't Ova

2015 album from the funk outfit. Amazingly, it's been seven years since Brooklyn Funk Essentials released their fourth studio album, Watcha Playin' - and perhaps even more remarkable - it is now twenty years since the release of the band's debut album, Cool & Steady & Easy (1995). Time flies when you're having funk. Funk Ain't Ova brings together many of the original and past members of the band, such as Joi Cardwell, Papa Dee, Stephanie McKay, Everton Sylvester and Hanifah Walidah on vocals. The horn playing of Iwan VanHetten and Anna Brooks as well as cameos by Josh Roseman, Bob Brockmann and Paul Shapiro. The drums and percussion of Yancy Drew, Hux Nettermalm and Danny Sadownick. The guitars of Masa Shimizu and Desmond Foster, who also does some lead vocals. Bill Ware's vibraphone playing, which has not been heard with BFE since Cool & Steady & Easy is featured on the song `Unique', co-written by Carlton McCarthy. As always, founding member Lati Kronlund plays bass and is also responsible for the album's production. One song features a very special guest appearance by none other than the late, great Isaac Hayes. Another song is co-written by legendary house diva, Crystal Waters, who also does background vocals. The musical ambition has been to make a collection of timeless soul songs using Brooklyn Funk Essentials' trademark mélange of funk, disco, jazz, ska, latin and house flavors - all played live in the studio by the ever-evolving and revolving BFE all-star band.