STYLE: Jazz RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 5205-1681 LABEL: Word AIRCD971 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £0.18
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
They may no longer be funky in name but they still are in nature. Mixing together generous clashes of funk, soul, jazz and R&B, Beehive's newie is wonderfully impossible to pigeon hole musically. Breaking out of mere acid jazz, this album finds the band in such fresh form they're in danger of being arrested by the funk police on suspicion of blissing out listeners with their breathtaking vibes. Highlights? From the up tempo opening '"Fools Wisdom" which sets the scene through to the closing "Answer To Prayer", there isn't a duff track! Everything's a highlight! The Prince-like funk of "Get Busy" gels me going every listen and "Your Love For Me" is a tight, infectious, insistent piece driven like many of the songs here by Paul Lancaster's excellent bass playing. In Kaz Lewis they have a soul diva who pours passion into every line. Musical comparisons are always Hawed but the retro '70s jazz funk sounds are reminiscent of Scawind (remember them?) whilst those with more current musical tastes may hear a hint of Jamiroquai in the stylistic brew. Beehive have created an album which is destined to establish them as one of Britain's most talented Christian bands and if there is any justice, this release has the chops to do it in the mainstream too. Pray for them that God flings wide the doors. Then buy and enjoy! Awesome!
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