MOUNTAIN MOCHA KILIMANJARO — Perfect Times (review)

MOUNTAIN MOCHA KILIMANJARO — Perfect Times album cover

Album · 2012 · Funk Jazz

4/5 · 2013-10-06
dreadpirateroberts

'Perfect Times' is pretty rocking funk jazz from Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro.

This, their fourth release, is the most 'full' sounding album to date. It features more guitar (or at least more layers), faster tempos and more aggression. Not to say the laid back funk has gone, or that everything is fast and furious, but on first listen the album is a departure from their swaggering funk.

Having said that, the more you spin it the more the familiar Motown and Meters influences come through - such as on 'Yesterday's Delight.' The rockier approach is showcased best perhaps on the charging 'Perfect Time' and elsewhere we have the more 'classic' Mountain Mocha sound, on tracks like 'The Preacher'.

My hands down favourite pair would have to be the almost joyous 'Watchin'' followed by the Curtis Mayfield inspired 'Mud City' - an almost brooding piece featuring piano and sythns, evoking space - until the triumphant chorus explodes.

Not my favourite from the group, because I felt like there was less soloing overall, and I missed that, but still, this is a really enjoyable album. Check it out if you're interested in funk jazz.

more than 2 years ago
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