Global Noize | Sly Reimagined

Global Noize | Sly Reimagined Zoho Roots Album review by Brent Faulkner

Describing Sly and the Family Stone music as simply as ‘one of a kind’
would be an understatement. Like many musicians during the tumultuous
60s and 70s, the group’s music reflected the social, cultural, and
political issues and changes that shaped life. Sly managed to capture
the ‘sentiments’ masterfully through his signature brand of funk, which
is near impossible to duplicate. Grammy-winning keyboardist and composer
Jason Miles, hence, is charged with both the tall task and grand
opportunity to recreate the genius of Sly in 2013. With DJ Logic
(turntables) and Falu (vocals) by his side, as well as Global Noize
(nine vocalists and seventeen instrumentalists deep), Sly Reimagined
does a solid job of recalling the visionary’s soul, fusing it with
smooth- and soul-jazz styles. Among the noted Global Noize cast who
assume this mission? Roberta Flack, Nona Hendryx, and drummer Greg
Errico.

While all ten tracks capably reminisce on The Family Stone, only a
select few truly epitomize Sly’s genius. Opener “In Time” sounds
refreshing, incorporating world music ideas throughout while
simultaneously recreating funkiness. A strong percussive groove anchors,
with delicious touches of organ and horn riffs further accentuating.
Nona Hendryx plays an excellent ‘Sly’, particularly when she
incorporates grit. “Fun” benefits from a number of positive attributes,
most notably energized vocals from Maya Azucena. In addition to her
energy, she receives support courtesy of a characteristic syncopated
funk-beat and sick tenor sax shedding courtesy of Ron Holloway. Nothing
trumps “Thank You For Talking To Me Africa”, which heightens the funk
to the album’s loftiest heights. Falu adds Indian vocal elements,
further making this modern take on “Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf
Again” quite eclectic. Electrifying by all means, an assortment of
colorful sounds, pointed horn articulations, and full immersion into
funk makes the number a gargantuan success.

Other cuts also leave a strong impression. A crowd pleaser, “Family
Affair” appears twice, with Roberta Flack handling vocals. The initial
version mixes smooth-jazz and funk while the second (Falu Mumbai Mix)
contrasts with a different sound, propelled by Falu’s vocals. Maya
Azucena capably leads the charge vocally on both “You Can Make It If You
Try” and “Stand”. She’s not alone in accomplishment as Ingrid Jensen
‘owns’ her trumpet solo over a funky vamp (“You Can Make It If You Try”)
while the vocal arrangement (choral), specifically on lyric “stand”, is
brilliant. Little is objectionable, but the reprisal of “The Same
Thing” as the ’67 Mulholland Drive Mix’ doesn’t bring anything
completely new or unheard to the table. Closing cut “Dreams” isn’t too
shabby, but doesn’t have the same distinction as say “Thank You For
Talking To Me Africa”.

All in all, Sly Reimagined receives pretty ‘imaginative’ treatment.
Miles and company strike a nice balance without ‘reinventing the wheel’
or over-drastically tweaking Sly’s untouchable work. Occasionally a
groove indulges too long or a cut falls ever so short of its original
glory, but for the most part, Global Noize deliver a triumphant winner
with few rubs of note. This is a must for the jazz, funk, and world
music lover’s collection.

Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene