The Basement Boys Present Mudfoot Jones - Mudfoot Jones (2006)

A conceptual album from the production duo that made Crystal Waters' "Gypsy Woman" so darn seductive, Basement Boys Presents Mudfoot Jones is a rousing nostalgia trip loosely based on a fictional blues drummer from Louisiana (accent on "loosely"). The Mudfoot character crops up in the intro and interludes, but it's really just an excuse for the producers to explore and twist early jazz, blues, and gospel into stylish, funky dancefloor numbers. "Everything's Gon' Be Alright" is an up-up-up-uptempo joyful noise with a vocal sample that sits a little off the beats, a device that crops up elsewhere and gives the album an organic edge instead of a too slick sheen. More filling is the jazz-driven "Jaybird," which combines live vibes and horns with the Basement Boys' backing track going from house to jungle. The "Pray for Me," "Swingin'," and "That Jazz" sequence takes the listener from a Deep South church on Sunday to the set of a Josephine Baker movie with tribal drums pounding, and then on to an after-hours jam session in Cab Calloway's basement. Rangy, but those who know the Basement Boys work past "Gypsy Woman" know they're up to the task and smart enough to build a coherent album out of all this genre-blending. Put this somewhat near your copy of Moby's Play, but closer to any Herbert records you might own, then grab a tasteful, comfortable jacket and get ready for a finger-snapping good time. © David Jeffries