CYMANDE, RENASCENCE

Cymande, the legendary British funk band, has returned with their latest album, Renascence. Formed in 1971 by a group of Afro-Caribbean musicians in London, the band developed a distinctive fusion of funk, reggae, jazz, and soul, which they called "nyah-rock." Though they gained international recognition, touring with artists like Al Green and performing at the Apollo Theater, they remained largely underappreciated in the UK. After releasing three albums, they disbanded in 1974, but their music lived on, finding new audiences when hip-hop artists began sampling their tracks in the 1980s and 1990s.

This revival of interest led to their reunion in the 2010s, culminating in A Simple Act of Faith (2015), their first album in over 40 years. As their influence continued to grow, they were inspired to return to the studio once again, resulting in Renascence. 

Listening to it, I was blown away by just how good the band sounds after fifty years. Their sound is vintage Cymande with some new, fresh influences sprinkled in. Driven by both nostalgia and a desire to continue their musical journey, Cymande are proving their timeless relevance in the world of funk and beyond. Honestly, it just doesn't get much better than this.

The Roots in 2010

I am a big fan of The Roots. Beyond the fact that they are absolutely amazing musicians, mixing hip hop, soul, jazz, funk, rock, and R&B, I have always appreciated their social mindedness. For over twenty years, the Roots have been putting out super albums that are musically and socially relevant.

2010 was another REALLY strong year for The Roots. The band put out not one, but two great albums, they opened The Rally To Restore Sanity and/or Fear in Washington DC, and they continued their presence as the house band on Jimmy Fallon's Late Night show.

In early 2010 The Roots released the first of the two albums, How I Got Over. From my perspective, this was the better of the two albums, and frankly, I am regretting that I did not include this album as one of my top albums of the year. Everything about this album works. Musically, this album is more restrained and toned down from previous releases, but there is a groove to these songs that I just love. Lyrically, the band has a lot to say. Social theme abound throughout this album as the the band reflects on the end of the Bush administration and the hope of better days ahead under the Obama Presidency. Even if one is not a fan of hip hop or rap, this is a great listen.
Now Or Never [Explicit]   

In September of 2010 The Roots released Wake Up! with John Legend. Comprised mostly of soul music covers from the 1960's and 1970's, Wake Up! was intended to draw parallels between the social and political issues of the times when these songs were written and today. The selection of songs here are fantastic and I love the way The Roots and Legend have incorporated musical elements that are squarely of today's times, while holding onto the essence of these songs. Listening to this album has made me go back to Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield albums that I have not listened to in years. I forgot just how great and powerful the song writing was for these artists.
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