3 Kings - Famous Guys (2014)

Chrisitan Bourdon drums, Andre N'Kouga bass and guitarists Jean-Paul Bourelly make up the latest version of 3 Kings.
Bourelly, the Chicago native who's making records in Berlin these days, is well know for his ability to blend and transform familiar sounds. On 3 Kings "Famous Guys " he takes you into another "otherly" sonic space. On this outing he tackles a hybrid, high life, jazzy, "convergence", blend no doubt another group inspired by the idea of a Black Atlantic jazz.
Andre N'Kouga playing 10 string bass, (yes you heard it right) and drummer Christian Bourdon come to the party as a brisk and tight rhythm section as Bourelly injects a most unique melodic counterpoint on "Strutter". The track then opens up into a type of over driven, energy vortex. 3 Kings suggest a kind of diaspora convergence generation that can speak in a blended language of blues funk jazz and West African elements. From that point, you'll find a lot of unique passages going on in this recording. Through all its transformational, hybrid pathways, this recording is underpinned by a flagrantly west African attitude, as the pieces strut and pulsate like a Cameroonian dance band. This tug of war between danceable grooves and improvisational excursions are two under currents that create the compelling tension and give this recording its special dimension.
For collectors of Bourelly's adventures, its a more than worth while collection to have.