James Brown – “James Brown Plays New Breed (The Boo-Ga-Loo)” – [Smash Records]

darkhelmet   3/29/2009   12-inch, Soul

This record is mostly instrumentals, relaxed and often heavy on the horns. Brown mans the keys (never the microphone) in this album, which was released in 1966 on Smash Records. “Vonshelia” (A3) is a pensive and slower jazz number, quite different than the other tracks. “Lost in the Mood of Changes” (B2) has a female chorus which remains in the background, acting more like an extra instrument than a focal point. For me, the standout number is “Jabo” (B1), which features some drum work and and has a wonderful finale.
-Dark Helmet