WOW -- transglobal sounds that speak to the soul!!!
Meena Kumari | New York, NY USA | 06/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been an aficionado of many different kinds of fusion, and let me tell you -- it's hard to combine cultural music forms and make them seamless. Yet Funkadesi has managed to do this with this CD -- packed with Indian, reggae, and funk blends that just seem to make perfect sense together. There's very little chance of not liking the grooves on this disc. Imagine the tightness and directness of message from Bob Marley, yet the beauty and mesmerizing quality of Sheila Chandra, and the bigness in sound of Parliament Funkadelic. Now you're starting to get the picture.What's even more spectacular is seeing this band live. My first question was: Can they deliver what they lay down in the studio? Well, when I caught them in New York's Sounds of Brazil, I was blown away by the virtuosity of each band member, even though all nine people on stage seemed adept at giving each other enough space to shine during different parts of the show. I've never seen a live show like theirs, and I won't be surprised if they become the 21st century, transglobal response to the Grateful Dead. Imagine it, a community of dedicated followers of all walks of life coming together in the spirit of unity, while enjoying simply down-to-earth music.Before I go overboard, let me say that it helps to enjoy reggae in order to enjoy Funkadesi. Even though they're more than just a reggae band, many of their songs have reggae as its root. Also, it helps if you like to hear some of the traditional stuff (Indian classical music, West African folk music) because on this disc, as well as live, they "break it down" into what they call the "Uncut Roots" elements -- djembe, sitar, tabla, etc. Just as interesting as their music is their ethnic backgrounds and professions!! I surfed their site to find out that some of them are doctors, psychologists, and cultural educators. Yet their motto seems to be seeing the world as one family. Hey, if they want to adopt me . . . .Anyway, can you tell I like them? I just hope that they stick around for a long time to come, because the world could use what Funkadesi has to offer -- musically, politically, spiritually."
This local band is indeed the real deal
J. Johnson | chicago, il | 12/18/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"as a chicagoan transplanted from michigan, i can tell you that this chicago based band is the real deal. not a usual fan of world music, i was hooked the first time i heard funkadesi at a local suburban summer fest near my alma matter, northwestern u. funkadesi does an incredible job of blending genres into a cohesive sound. they are the antithesis of angst-filled rock and mindless pop, and make live audiences feel positivity as they groove to their ecclectic beats and harmonies. i love countless artists and bands, many angst filled and poppy, but i can certainly make room in my repetoire for this genuinely talented group."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1