West Grand Boulevard by Third Coast Kings - Record Kicks [RKX047] FLAC download included with physical items

West Grand Boulevard

Third Coast Kings

A 12 track funk album (43m 3s) — released May 19th 2014 on Record Kicks

#soul #funk

Recorded in Ann Arbour and mixed by funk producer Nate Goldentone (Dojo Cuts, The Liberators), Michigan's finest deep funk combo Third Coast Kings returns with a brand new album.

Recorded in Ann Arbour with the full band in one room, a minimum amount of effects, processing and microphones and mixed by much respected funk producer Nate Goldentone (Dojo Cuts, The Liberators), West Grand Boulevard is the awaited new album by Detroit finest deep funk combo Third Coast Kings. Their 2012 self titled debut album made a global impression upon its release, the Kings were invited to Japan to perform at Fuji Rock Festival and gained fans all over the world such as Charles Bradley, Craig Charles (BBC), Kenny Dope and Dj Muro. Now the guys are back with a mission: to carry the torch of Deep Funk heritage across the planet.

Named after one of the city's most wide-reaching thoroughfares, West Grand Boulevard was also Motown's HQ, however here we're much closer to the dirty jazz-funk sound of the Meters and Lee Dorsey than to the typical "Motown sound". The band decided to pay homage to Detroit, a city of music and muscle, and this is the sound it makes when it flexes. Every track on the album is inspired by the sights, sounds, smells and history of the city. Funky instrumentals range from gas-guzzling burners like Lead Foot, to high strutting cruisers like the title track, West Grand Boulevard. Punch out of work at your back-breaking job to High Tops, then suit up for the club with Errol Flynns. Ice Cream Man is an atmospheric funk caravan, dishing out sweet horn licks, smooth basslines and an organ solo straight from church. The Kings' alternating vocal duo are back as well with the sultry Michelle "The Belle" Camilleri calling all to the dancefloor with her party starter Just Move. Acting as James Brown while the Kings play the part of the JBs, charismatic singer Sean Ike displays his range, telling the tale of legendary hero Jack Johnson in the American anthem I'm A Man and then leads everybody to a jar of honey with stunning deep soul cut Birds & Bees.

Looking to present this history lesson/house party in a raw and real manner, the group enlisted engineer Jim Roll and producer Nate Goldenton to capture the music in the most authentic (and these days, difficult) way possible. This is how Detroit did it in the '60s and'70s, so get to work on that time machine, or just let the Kings take you on a vintage tour of West Grand Boulevard.

Big fan of Ann Arbor's finest, and this is their best album to date. They play funk as I like it, down and dirty and with no compromise.Well done guys this is excellent! - Craig Charles BBC6 Music

Like it says the groove is going to hit you and hit you hard- fresh & deep stuff from these funk pioneers! - Emrys Baird Blues & Soul Magazine

Detroit may be in deep trouble, but the deep Funk by the Third Coast Kings captures and cultivates much of the city's vast musical legacy. With groups like this, better days may be ahead for the Motor-City. - Dj Pari Soul Power USA

The Third Coast Kings keep the funk flag flying in fine style - Dj Andy Smith Portishead / The Document

’Heavy future dance floor funk classics aplenty with lashings of fatback drums, twangy guitars and upfront brass’’ - Nik Weston Mukatsuku Records

I’ve been following this band since I heard their music for the first time… I just can't take my eyes off them - DJ Muro

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