Jazz Funk Soul is back for 2022 with a new album, called Forecast. The lineup consists of saxophonist Everette Harp, keyboardist Jeff Lorber and guitarist Paul Jackson Jr.
If you want to know the definition of a group of musicians being "tight", just take a listen to any of the tracks on this album.
“We each bring our own interpretations of Contemporary and Mainstream Jazz together in a way that allows us to break the bonds of the normal approach to Smooth Jazz. By using our years of collective vocabulary we freely express ourselves musically using everything we have at our disposal,” shares Harp. “Plus we can leap tall diminished chords in a single bound!”
Forecast is a ten track set, and there is definitely something for everyone.
"The name Jazz Funk Soul screams diversity," declares Everette Harp. "I think the fact that we’ve each been studio musicians and have played on many styles of records, allows our music to have a freedom of expression that can go from high energy to jazzy, funky, bluesy, soulful and emotional. I hope listeners feel this and enjoy the journey."
Review - 'Forecast' by Jazz Funk Soul
Hustle gets us kicked off. You can just add this track to your "cool" playlist. As you listen to them play, it sounds like they are not even trying. Hustle has some great energy, all three musicians get a chance to solo, and it sets the tone for the rest of the album.
If mid-tempo grooves are your thing, then Keep Holding On will be your jam. From the start you get the smooth bassline and Harp's sax, and it is all gravy from there. Jackson's guitar adds some sauce and Lorber's piano completes the song. The hook on this track is pretty amazing.
We pick up the pace with Funkin' in AZ. Jackson gives us little rock guitar play, and about halfway through Jackson and Harp play off of each other which is pure bliss. Lorber offers some interesting keyboard sounds on the track. Overall, just a fun song.
The title track, Forecast is next. This is a track where you just smell the funk. All of the musicians are doing the thing, and once again Harp, Jackson and Lorber have a chance to shine individually. If you need a pick me up, then you have to love this track.
In Bouncing Back, the trio gives us another funky, high energy song. Harp sure knows how to lead a song. We are partial to horns, so we really appreciate his sound. The keyboard parts here are swinging, and you will have a pep in your step as you take in the song.
We get down and dirty with Fish Grease. We get a Bluesy/Soul sound that will take you straight to Memphis. This is one of those "gotta hear it live" tracks, where we would feel the instrumentation. This is one of the standout tracks on the album.
In Count Me In, you get another uptempo Jazz song with some Soul elements. The drum play sets the tone, with everyone else falling right in time. You also have to love the tone of Harp's sax on the track.
Next we have When The Time Comes. Jeff Lorber graces us with his piano, then Harp and Jackson add their magic. We get some different ebbs and flows with this song, and it makes it very interesting for the listener.
More mid-tempo Soul vibes are in effect with Hidden In Plain Sight. Once again, all three musicians get a chance to solo, then you have a strong hook that ties it all together.
The set concludes with a tribute to Chuck Loeb. The song is called CSL (For Charles Samuel Loeb). Here they give a respectful nod to one of the original members of Jazz Funk Soul.
Jazz Funk Soul is a band with a unique style. They show that off throughout the album Forecast, and we are sure that you will find a few tracks to add to your playlists.
You can stream the album on all platforms.