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winner
BU027 LP/CD |
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scootering 'recommended
listening'
"Highly-anticipated, long-awaited, or whatever other kind of looking forward
to type of descriptions you care to utilise, they all apply to Big Boss
Man's follow up album to their stunning debut offering Humanize. In defence
of Nasser, Scott and Trevor, they have been busy. As in genuinely busy,
what with various side-projects like The Bongolian and The Cookers for
instance. They've also provided two remixes of non other than Paul Weller's
recent chart hit The Bottle. And that only scratches the surface -they've
also been out on the road, performing live all over Europe. Winner picks
up pretty much from where Humanize left off, melding funk and soul with
a touch of Latino and boogaloo. For Big Boss Man, that period between
the late 60s and early 70s, complete with all those Blaxploitation movies,
lives on forever. Floor packers such as Kelvin Stardust and the simply,
but descriptively titled Boogaloo and instant stand out cuts, but proving
its not all about funky floor fillers, we also get diversity such as the
Gaelic flavoured TuAsGache, the Latin spirit of Complicated Lady and the
bongo driven Everybody Boogaloo. Worth the wait?
Definitely. As for the title, it's both descriptive and apt, Winner is
a real winner." 03/05 #225
mojo
"Smokin' '60s-style beat trio, with modern dancefloor
full-tiltage. This band are extra-hot. Together, the trio spew
out all manner of monster grooves - lots of boogaloo, '60s rock (Reach
Out), Latin bongo mayhem (Complicated Lady), French pop (Tu As Gache).
Produced with partyorientated warmth by Morgan Nicholls (son of Immediate
Records songwriter Billy; in The Streets' touring band), everything is
right, timelessly groovy - they just need their Steve Winwood upfront
- 3/5" 03/05
new untouchables
"It's another winner from the
Berkshire boys and the second
LP from BBM with virtuoso Nasser
writing the majority of the material
ably assisted by true gent and
wicked guitar player Mr Trevor
Harding on 1 or 2 other numbers.
This LP is much more diverse,
Hammond, Farfisa, Congas, Bongos, Moogs, Mellatrons.
Rock, Pop, Soul, Funk, Frenchcuts, Fuzz. Surely if there
was any justice in this World... Stand out numbers for me
'Reach Out', 'Fall In Fall Out', The Hawk and 'Got it so
Bad'. Hey just buy it now!" 09/05
maxim online
"WHAT'S THE STORY? Not hairy, bloated WWE wrestler in cop
uniform, but actually funk beat specialists from Berkshire.
TO BE HONEST? Imagine a new James Taylor Quartet
spearheaded by David Holmes in fidget mode. This has got a
real '60s psychedelic vibe going down, and is generally funky as
f**k.
LISTEN OUT FOR: 'Complicated Lady'. Switches swingin' London
for Latin America.
PLAY: When coaxing Michael Caine onto the dancefloor -4/5" 04/05
boy's toys
"Anyone who's a sucker for a Hammond organ - and what's not to like, frankly
- will love
this breakneck trip through Sixties funk, boogaloo, Latin soul and French
beat by the self-styled 'punks of Hammond funk' - 3/5" 03/05
axm
"After what's been a pretty manic touring schedule since their debut,
Humanize, the tricksters that make up Big Boss Man resume their psychedelic
trip of a musical journey that takes us back to the 60s once more, infusing
the dirty funk sound the boys have become synonymous with, with lacings
of Bongo (Everybody Boogaloo) and sexy French fondlings (Tu As Gache),
among a host of other kooky influences. This is
an album that oozes sexiness, whether it persuades you to abandon
yourself on the dancefloor, or indulge in a heavy petting session in some
discreet nook." 01/05
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humanize
BU018 LP/CD |
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hi-fi choice
"Big boss Man are a group of youngbloods who exist in the
Bermuda Triangle that exists between Brian Auger, the Spencer Davis Group
circa 1968 and the Wag club now - pulsing Hammonds, crisp drumming and
uplifting music that flits between soul jazz, psychedelic boogaloo, real
rhythm'n'blues and the odd hint of Madness style ska. All of it, a few
long loops aside, was recorded live in 1999 in North London's funky junk
studio and the energy - and musical skill - comes blasting through with
Naz' endearing vocals. Don't get too hung up on technology, it may well
be time to Humanize."
Music: 5/5 Sonic: 4/5
11/00
the mix
"... the energy comes bursting through
in a surging sound that takes a pinch of Ocean Colour Scene, drops
in a dash of psychedelic mod-funk-jazz and gets seasoned with the merest
sprinkle of Madness. Frontman Nazz throws in excellent performances throughout,
performances that have been well-recorded by acid jazz veteran Pelanconi
in supa-soul-sure-shot mode. Get Human. Verdict: Listen to the Boss, man."
8/10
Phil Strongman 11/00
capital live
"This debut album from Big Boss Man
is an absolute corker. A hip Hammond hybrid of 60's and 70's funk,
soul, pop and reggae, the album is a happy collision of cool psychedelic
percussion and electric guitar. To melt away the cold evenings and blustery
days, 'Humanize' is THE spring/summer album to get your hands on this
year."
03/01 #5
muzik
"Solid ebony sounds that merge Latin,
funk, rhythm & blues and soul. Already gaining fans from a
recent appearance with the James Taylor Quartet, this Newbury-based outfit
are quickly becoming the dons of the underground with their Hammond-fuelled
licks. The beats are a little on the retro side, but still seem tailor-made
for 21st century groovers."
5/5
05/01 #71
mojo
"...Big Boss Man do actually have it in them to whip up a
stink that stands some comparisoon with forebears like the Bar-Kays and
The Quik. ...the choice tunes here will certainly
have them swinging off the ceiling in those rousing minutes before closing
time."
Andrew Perry 05/01 #89
music week
"A joyful romp through Hammond-flecked
funk and acid jazz-tinged songs, this debut album manages to distil the
sound of the long-running Blow Up club in London."
13/01/01
what's on
"The title track, with big and funky fatback-drums is like
Booker T and The MGs on acid, while 'Big Boss Man' is early Who colliding
with the Doors in a battle of the grooves - and you, the funky organ lover
are the winner. The wonderfully titled ' Don't You Tell My Missus' is
one of the most infectious tracks of the year and begs the question: Are
Hammond C3s actually better than sex? The stax soul-funk of 'Sea Groove'
manages to crowbar in a bit of The Average White Band while no one's looking.
Although the retro influences are there in abundance, Humanize
sounds a lot fresher than much of dance music's current output.
Let the orgasmic organs, tasty tambourines, funky guitars and break beats
sex you up. Music to make your head explode with
joy."
John Coleman 14/03/01
the new untouchables
"12 bad ass funky, psychedelic, space-age
tunes complete with moogs/bongos/organ/latin percussion/double
bass and fuzzy guitar sums up the sounds on this album. If you like the
sound of that then read on. Personal highlights for me are 'Big Boss Man',
'Money', 'Sell Your Soul', 'Big Boss Buddah' the cool samba of 'Out Of
Time' and the cheeky 'Bad Bad Whisky'. Not one
duff track on the album. Give me Big Boss Man live any day but
while you're waiting to see them stick this on your stereo and practice
your dance moves."
02/01
nwn2
"Big Boss Man have always been destined
for great things, ever since their formation back in early 1999.
Filling an essential role as the UK's most exciting hip Hammond band,
[they] have been taken to the hearts of lovers of groovy sounds and laid-back
vibes world-wide. So was it worth the wait? In a word - yes. It would
be a hard-hearted person who doesn't feel their feet tapping to the beat
of an album with one foot in the swinging 60s and one in the naughty Noughties.
...Nazzer Bouzida isn't only a multi-talented instrumentalist, he can
really sing as well, while the rest of the band are completely together
and tight - pretty amazing for a group of guys this laid back."
15/03/01
big daddy
"It's looking like the UK is brewing something of a small
storm at the moment, especially on the live circuit, and Big Boss Man
have had some red-hot reviews of late. 12 tracks of sharp, accessible
London groove with a nod and a wink to predecessors such as JTQ - melodic
without being too cute and a perfect fit for the Blow Up ideal. We may
see some hits from them soon."
03/01
uppers.net
"Maybe your Hammond obsessed? Conga kooky? Wondering if a
modern day band can really capture that energy with an up to date sound?
If you're nodding your head, raising your hand, shouting "AMEN!" or frothing
at the mouth, well then just pick your chin up and get your hands on the
new Big Boss Man album, "Humanize". If you ever doubted Skooby, been disappointed
by Corduroy or JTQ or been craving something jazzy with a more severe
groove, you're ready for Big Boss Man's album. ...even when Big Boss Man
wears their influences patched on their sleeve, they present them in a
fresh and dance floor friendly way. This is not to say that Big Boss Man
are incapable of original material. Organist/drummer Nasser Bouzida has
notably honed his writing skills since the dark days of 1996. More importantly
is that Big Boss Man have been able to create a
thoroughly enjoyable and club savvy sound in the studio that pays
homage to great funky club sounds that came before them while making sure
that they push that atmosphere into today. Big Boss Man certainly aren't
the first band to try this, but to this reviewer's ears have done it better
than most, which is nothing short of refreshing."
Brian Proust 20/03/01
music365
"Ocean Colour Scene and Toploader take note. Here's how it's
really done.
Big Boss Man have come up trumps with their debut
release.
To their credit, Big Boss Man have gleefully rejected the studious, chin-stroking
syndrome of listening through rose-tainted headphones and insteda concentrate
on creating a party within the confines of its 40 or so minutes.
What's at stake here is unashamed, grinning-like-a-loon fun. 'Sell Your
Soul', with its relentless wah-wah guitar and hard-driving organ induces
a serious case of happy feet while the grooving psychedelia of 'Big Boss
Buddha' twists and turns with the kitsch of a lava lamp. Elsewhere, the
stomping and marvellously titled 'Don't You Tell My Missus' recalls Georgie
Fame at his best and once again emphasises the exhuberance which characterises
the swirling pop contained herein.."
7/10
Julian Marszalek 18/04/01
OK! magazine
"...their sound is a palatable fusion of funky beats, groovy
guitars, swirling Hammond organ and bongos a go-go. Fun, funky, they are
an antidote to 'paint-by-numbers' boy bands. One
to watch out for."
4/5
08/06/01 #267
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big boss man (blow up 45 series no.4)
BU022 7" |
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what's on
"If Get Carter was being made today Big boss Man would almost certainly
be chosen to appear in an added night club scene. Big Hammond organ, big
vocals and 'groovy' percussion. The boss Boys hail fom Newbury, which
could be the new rock'n'roll capital. Absolutely
Faultless."
09/05/01
capital live
"Hot on the heels of their debut album, [Big Boss Man] has released the
killer cut that everyone should go out and buy. 'Big Boss Man'
has an immediate uplifting affect. With bongos and Hammond from the boogaloo
merchants, even you grandma will be up bopping. Funky,
fresh and fun!"
08/04/01 #8
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sea groove (blow up 45 series no.1)
BU017 7" |
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"The UK Hammond trio dick around with their own maritime moods to winning
sample-delic effect."
11/00
record collector
"A South coast record, destined to be played at the Blow Up club in London
to audiences who certainly wouldn't mind if the Who or Small Faces were
played after it. And suprisingly, given all this, it's pretty darn good.
...this'll sit nicely in any collection."
11/00
camden new journal
"Classically trained in retro 60s cheesy sounds, this 7" from Big
Boss Man takes us on a trip through the funk universe, makind dutiful
use of disco hand-claps, dubby vibes and just about any sound that will
get you shakin' your wig."
William Trevelyan 09/11/00 |
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back:
winner (BU027
LP/CD)
humanize (BU018
LP/CD)
big boss man (BU022
7")
sea groove (BU017
7")
top of page
related pages:
introduction to big boss man
releases
blow up 45 series
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