darkshade This is where Soulive really hit their stride. This is the one that put Soulive on the map, so to speak. They return with another great soul-jazz/funk album, but with the funk levels cranked up. But at the same time, cranking up the jazz levels too. This, along with the trio augmented by a 4-piece horn section (one of them the great Fred Wesley), makes this one of the greatest funk-jazz records of the 21st century. This album smokes from the get-go. We are treated to some great grooves provided by brothers Alan Evans on drums, and Neal Evans on Hammond B-3 organ. On top of that is guitarist Eric Krasno playing some great funky guitar.

Any fan of James Brown or P-Funk will want to listen to this album, Fred Wesley plays some of the best trombone solos and horn lines ever, though for him it's probably a walk in the park. In context of Soulive's music, his playing is just tremendous. Alto sax player Sam Kininger lays down some great solos as well, harnessing some Maceo Parker at times.

This album is also where we start to hear traces of hip-hop influences in Soulive's music, mainly in the beats; but they are rare on this album. On the song "Joe Sample" it is most noticed... Of course, it's called that because of the great guitar work, no doubt in tribute to Joe Sample himself.

This is an album of great, energetic music, filled with great funky horns, solid bass (performed by Neal Evans with foot pedals on his organ), and excellent Pat Martino/Scofield-esque guitar. There is no stand-out song, as all the songs are exceptional. The token vocal song is OK but doesn't detract from the music. And we get a great instrumental cover of Stevie Wonder's "Golden Lady" to cap everything off.

Just get this album. One of the best soul-jazz/funk-jazz you'll ever hear. 5 stars.