56 Hope Road: Law Of Attraction

By: Michael Akers

The soulful sounds of Chicago’s acoustic funk outfit, 56 Hope Road have returned for a fourth full-length release on there own record label, Albino Deer Records. Law Of Attraction, released on January 1st, features a varied array of musical styles ranging from the anticipated funk to soul, blues and jazz. Law of Attraction is the picture perfect portrait of the roots based music 56 Hope Road has been playing and recording for their entire six year career.

The opening track, “So So,” is a wonderful example of what acoustic funk can be. Usually one associates funk with heavy hitting basslines, mind blowing saxophone (or other brass) and tight, precise rhythms that make you dance. 56 Hope Road proves that funk can be done acoustically. G. Love and Richie Havens are two clear ancestors for this band.

Law of Attraction features two new members, saxophonist Casey Fitzpatrick and pianist Tim Reid Jr.. Fitzpatrick’s head-spinning improvisational skills shine right away on the aptly named “Heart Attack,” a fine showcase for the whole band. “After the Show,” a happy song one along the lines of Keller Williams releases has a hugely positive vibe, something the members of 56 Hope Road thrive on. In fact, the group’s name pays tribute to the positive message Bob Marley’s music has been to the world. In all, 56 Hope Road has released a gem of energy driven acoustic funk.

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