Down to the Bone: Cellar Funk

The British outfit Down to the Bone offers another hefty helping of its trademark groove-jazz on Cellar Funk (Narada). “Back in Business” is a soul-funk romp complete with horn punches and a lively organ solo, and the bass-heavy title track’s use of wah-wah guitar creates a quasi-retro vibe. “L.A. Shakedown” is a horn-drenched urban groover, and Down to the Bone cools the fevered temperature a bit with the relatively laid-back “Little Smile,” which is accented with lightly strummed guitar.

Brazilian singer Flora Purim provides some adventurous vocalizing over a house beat on the Latin-inflected “The Flow,” and the lively “Dancing to a Samba” features an infectious melody and snappy vocals on the hook. “Down in the Basement” offers a David Sanborn-esque solo from saxophonist Paul “Shilts” Weimar and some spirited sax-trumpet tradeoffs. While Down to the Bone doesn’t break a whole lot of ground here stylistically, the tunes are energetic, high-spirited and just plain fun.

Originally Published May 1, 2004