Jazz Funk Soul: Jazz Funk Soul

Don’t judge Jazz Funk Soul by their name. These three musical genres serve as appropriate adjectives for this supergroup’s sound — I just happen to think it doesn’t make for a good name. Then again, I rarely find band names to be any good. Anyway, on to the music — Kenny G’s former boss Jeff Lorber tears up the keyboards, Fourplay member Chuck Loeb handles guitar and Everette Harp wails on the sax. Their time together doesn’t break any new ground in the world of jazz fusion.

On the other hand, it doesn’t throw their musicianship into doubt. Besides, their debut recording Jazz Funk Soul appears to be built for fun. Just take a look at the cover — it’s just missing a few beer bottles and a bag of potato chips. Yet one of the takeaway tracks is named “Serious Business”, a number that cranks up the funk riff ‘n’ rhythms. Also notable is “Adrenaline”, a peppy ’70s throwback with drums tighter than a ball of rubber bands. Overall, Jazz Funk Soul aren’t going to usher in a new influx of fusion fans but the already-converted are well served.