With so many jam acts dipping their toes into soul and funk, young folks may get the impression that a popping bass solo and an endlessly repeated refrain are all it takes to keep the party people satisfied. But that couldn't be farther from the truth.
The best groove acts concentrate on subtle manipulations of dynamics and feature well-schooled players who understand that a vice-tight group sound is far more important than flashy displays of technique. Madison's On "Check Yourself" from their new album of the same name, singer Carolynn Black's clever, self-deprecating complaint about an ex lover who fooled her for far too long, the Syndicate's five instrumentalists never stray from the pocket. Even the brief, echoic Santana-esque guitar solo that oozes behind Black during a mid-tune recitative is an exemplar of total control. James Brown's bands of '60s and early '70s obviously formed the rhythmic base on which "Check Yourself" is built, but that's fine. Black's urbane lyrics and a sly horn part that adds a hint of boogaloo sass to the proceedings make it clear that this guaranteed dance-floor filler is much more than a mechanical cop of the late, lamented Godfather of Soul.
MadTracks highlights and provides MP3s of songs performed by local musicians. All tracks here are provided with permission of the artist. If you are a musician based in the Madison metro area and are interested in sharing your work as a MadTrack, please send a message.
