Olimpik Soul
Bone, 2024
8/10
The New York drummer Stix Bones and Olympic Gold Medalist and percussionist Bob Beamon come together with an excellent cast, i.e. the BONE squat, for this jazz meet hip-hop EP.
“Leap” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where plenty of grooves interact thanks to the chunky bass and lively horns, and the title track follows with bursts of funk flavor from Bones’ acrobatic drumming and Beamon’s animated percussion.
At the midpoint, “My Lady” showcases Densen Curwen’s skilled key prowess amid smooth, Latin melodies, while the roaring brass and dense bass of “Funkatonic” will get you searching for the nearest dance floor.
Close to the end, Abiodun Oyewole’s expressive spoken word populates the busy and fluid album highlight, “Price Of Freedom”, and “Dreams Come True” exits with Melvin Smith’s glowing tenor sax and rich textures that we could never tire of.
A highly creative and stylish 3rd EP from Bones, along with Beamon and company he blends jazz, hip-hop and soul into an infectious and rhythmic 8 tracks.
Travels well with: Jose Gobbo Trio- Current; Commodore Trio- Communal