Down To The Bone - Crazy Vibes And Things (2002)

Not since Shakatak in the '80s has a band from London so effortlessly combined British acid jazz/funk with America's smooth-jazz sensibilities. Most of the tracks here have a mellowness about them that probably feels safe to those who don't need strong hip-hop rhythms and bold vocals. On the other hand, DTTB rely heavily on sharp, crisp arrangements, dynamic musicianship, and an adherence to a '70s sonic palette. Producer-arranger Stuart Wade is the artist with the brush on what is, if not the group's best album, certainly their most cohesive. Song titles are almost self-explanatory: "Searching for a Simple Groove," "Cooking with Gas," and "Electra Glide." ~ Mark Ruffin