The fourth album from Denver's Analog Son — bassist Josh Fairman (also of SunSquabi) and guitarist Jordan Linit — and the very first release on Color Red Records, the new label launched by Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds. Twelve tracks of horn-heavy, hip-shaking, '60s-and-'70s-leaning funk that double as a calling card for both the band and the label. The release party at Cervantes' in Denver in September 2018 doubled as Color Red's launch event.
The lineup is a who's-who of the modern funk and jam circuit: Devon Parker and Ashley Niven on vocals, Eric Luba on keys, George Horn on drums, Will Trask on percussion, Mike Chiesa on tenor sax, and Gabe Mervine on trumpet — with guest spots from Shane Endsley (Kneebody), Jeff Franca (Thievery Corporation), Parris Fleming (The Motet), and Nick Gerlach.
Cool stuff:
- Color Red Records' very first release — Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds picked Analog Son to launch the label, and produced the record himself
- Pressed on purple vinyl for the original limited run
- The session players read like a Denver jam-scene supergroup roster: members of The Motet, SunSquabi, Thievery Corporation, and Kneebody all play on it
- Recorded with a true horn section — tenor sax, trumpet, and guests — built around the '60s and '70s funk model (Tower of Power, The Meters, Sly) rather than the polished J Dilla-influenced funk of contemporary acts
- Released alongside an all-star launch concert at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver in September 2018, which Color Red still uses as its origin-story show
Spin it for: muscular Denver funk built on a horn section, with Eddie Roberts producing — the album that opened Color Red's catalog.
Standouts: "Funky Mother" · "Heard It Through the Grapevine" · "Stankin' Funky" · "Roll With It"
Sources: Color Red Music · The Vinyl District · FunkCity · 303 Magazine · L4LM