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Topaz's third release on the New York Indie label Velour finds the high energy Jazz/Funk outfit refining their sound to create a well directed, tight, smooth album. Due out on October 16th, The Zone is a slight departure from the raw, live funk party they served up on their previous effort, Listen! Now this is not to say that The Zone lacks funk, on the contrary, it is heavily steeped in funky bass lines, but the overall sound is a much smoother, tightly driven engagement.
The keyboard work by Ethan White is superb, highlighted by Topaz's signature Tenor sax, intermingled with nice two man horn charts by Squantch on trombone. The Zone touches on several genres, from Latin rhythms, psychedelic acid jazz, a bit of hip-hop in the drums, a touch of the didgeridoo, and a heaping load of funk. The velvet sound is complemented throughout with an emphasis on soothing vocal phrases. The opening track "Minha Mende," is a nice example of this by instilling the words, "In my mind" throughout. The music doesn’t rely on vocals; instead Topaz uses the lyrics as the icing, not the cake, creating a nice finishing touch to the deep grooves.
The middle of the album finds a pair of great tracks. "You and Me" uses the airy vocals in much the same way as "Minha Mende" while Tewarson on guitar wah's out, giving up the funk. The following composition is the title track, "The Zone" and is perhaps the most impressive song on the album. As the name suggests, Topaz definitely finds the sweet spot on this piece. The sound travels in many directions, creating momentum that swirls around the ears, yet maintains cohesion. The sax and trombone work are impressive, but so is the entire band. White on the keys gives a taste of Herbie Hancock, while the drums lay a firm foundation for the sound to grow. Both "You and Me" and "The Zone" leave the impression that in the club these songs could be twice as long, and twice as hot.
The Zone is wrapped up with two songs that further display Topaz's versatility. "Naked" is a tripped out track that touches on the eerie. While "Fat City Strut" closes things out with funky horns, drop in bass lines, and meandering keyboards, that leave a Latin taste in the mouth, and shaking feet in the shoes.
Overall, The Zone is applicable to a dance party, or just kicking it with friends. The album is very well engineered and has obvious direction. The Zone is a very clean, smooth, mature album, but still has the energy necessary to get down. Make sure you don't miss out on Topaz's latest release, you won't be disappointed.
The Kayceman
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