Via NoiseAddicts. A fairly obscure group. And by obscure, I mean funky.
Cymande came to being in 1971 in London, England, formed mainly by musicians from Jamaica and Guyana. In their 3 short years together they created some incredibly soulful music, and were one of the more sophisticated funk bands of the early 70’s.
That being said, to call them “just a funk band” is doing them a stellar disservice. They combined groove, funk, african music and percussion, calypso, reggae-type Rasta lyrics, Santana-esque rhythms and minimal arrangements into a superbly distinctive, complex and eclectic mix.
Some things that I saw, heard, felt, went to, or did recently (and maybe you should check out, too)
Victoire has put out an EP (A Door Into the Dark) over at eMusic. You can only get it at eMusic for now. Their review: The band's combination of chittering electronics, found sound and repetitive string and woodwind lines eloquently conjures how it feels to helplessly grope for words that don't exist to describe disquiet we can't place, how it feels to be left alone with only the colors of our own thoughts for company. ......................................................... Gomorrah, a new film (in the U.S. at least) by Matteo Garrone. This is playing at the IFC Center in New York. I think its been a hit there, so it may play in other cities. As well it should.
It is worth watching the film just to see some of the settings (like the ruined concrete ziggurat-like housing projects) and puzzle over them (there were so many times when I was pleasantly at a loss to grasp what was happening in the background of some scenes).
Go and see it if you can. If you need more prodding, here is the review that tipped me off to the film in the first place.
......................................................... David Byrne at Radio City Music Hall. I thought it was great: he's still got it, and Radio City is an incredible space (I am a sucker for red velvet walls and gold trim, and I don't like using "restrooms" - I prefer "Lounges").
Cymande came to being in 1971 in London, England, formed mainly by musicians from Jamaica and Guyana. In their 3 short years together they created some incredibly soulful music, and were one of the more sophisticated funk bands of the early 70’s.
disservice. They combined groove, funk, african music and percussion, calypso, reggae-type Rasta lyrics, Santana-esque rhythms and minimal arrangements into a superbly distinctive, complex and eclectic mix.
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