Wow! Brilliant.
With guest spots from Louis Cole and Candy Dulfer, and covers by The Dan and Stevie Wonder (Reeling In Years and Signed, Sealed, Delivered), this is a fabulous film of the Fearless Flyers in all their awesomely funky finery.
At just shy of an hour and a half, that’s quite a set. Esp’ considering it’s almost all instrumental – only Louis Cole’s viral original Bank Account having vocals – and the short form of most FF tunes as previously released via YouTube.
It’s such a wonderful distillation of music as pure joy. And it’s quite surprising and refreshing to realise that, despite the almost laser sharp focus on stripped down instrumental funkiness, it’s actually musically quite diverse.
From classic blooz to elements of heavy rock, psychedelia, and even garage psych (Running Man), the genre-splicing keeps the whole set fresh, despite almost no vocals, and the groove taking precedence over showboating or solos.
That said, all concerned are fabulous musicians. And each gets a turn or three in the spotlight. Unlike on quite a few of the FF YouTube tracks, there are no horns at all, except when Candy Dulfer guests, playing alto on Hero Town.
Cory Wong is the current undisputed King of ‘chicken scratch’. Mark Lettieri shines on baritone guitar, and brings both the rawk and some virtuoso fire. Joe Dart, well, we all know about the love he earns for his low register mastery (and Olympic neck-work!). And Nate Smith shows just how goddam fierce and funky a drummer can be with just kick, snare, and sock-cymbal (and some incredible hand percussion).
Both Louis Cole and Smith get solo drum spots. It’s really interesting – perhaps especially to a fellow drummer like me – to hear how much musical character each displays. Playing around with some similar ideas, on similar set ups, yet sounding so individual. Wonderful!
Have these guys (n’ gal[s]) been to these Benighted Isles? If so, how did I miss it? And if not… please come and shower us in funky goodness. Lord knows the UK needs some mojo right now!