On Wikipedia the Juba Dance or Hambone is a style of dancing that was
originally known as “Pattin’ Juba” which movements include stomping and
slapping, patting the arms, legs, chest and cheeks. It was used to keep
time for other dances during a walk around. Sounds like a body party and
that is a very good description of the music on this album-
Orange recently released by Juba Dance.
I am actually
astounded by the amount of diversity and soul that has been put into this
music. It’s a very impressive composition full of enchanting culture and
beat. It’s a mix of Jazz, Brazilian, Soul, Rhythm and Blues and so much
more.
On some tracks Benjamin Lamar has even artists like Outkast
beat:
Track 1 gets you off on the right foot. It’s an audio version
of an impressionist painting, revealing all of the styles squeaks and
calls of the album if you listen closely.
Track 3 is so indigenous
sounding- the use of field recordings mixed with jazzy beats and hip hop
throughout.
Track 4 is a trumpet experimenting over top of
Brazilian style percussion and it is so flavorful.
Track 5 molds
old funk and distorted rap with Brazilian percussion floating by. The
lyrics describe the life and style of theartist.
Track 6 is bass
heavy and more of a standard hip hop song. Its super chilled force is kind
of abstract- but a bit muttled by digital effects.
Track 7 Blues,
yes! Soul blues…mmm this album is chalk full of surprises I love the tone
of his voice- scratchy and full of character.
Track 8 features
dated synthesizers… don’t really like this one until the trumpets enter.
The track has a back and fourth section between male and female and is in
more than just English.
Track 9 is a favorite. A great jazz entry
with a to and fro narrative.
Track 10 beautiful instrumental
opening of trumpet, string bass and a string quintet. It’s a
lovely
arrangement. The voice activates as an instrument itself.
Track 11 starts with a dance hall feeling and a sexy sounding
array of effects and patches. The vocals are charming and reggae charged.
It’s a happy love song.
Track 12 ! wa-wa bass funky fresh starts
pats on the congas. It’s a song for his sister. Strings and a lost melody,
this track is a bit of a mess in style and sound… a little cluttered, but
I like it.
Track 13 a little piano and trumpet duet with string
accompaniment ends off the orange flavored album.
It’s a great
experience. At the finish I am left feeling a bit overindulged, excited
about the project,
but I am a having a hard time digesting everything
since it is very much experimental and a bit
disorganized.
…but
the best compliment there is, is to say that it is inspiring, and overall,
that is how I feel.
Kristen
Cudmore
