UNDERGROUND A&R REPORT

TEMPLE OF SOUL - BROTHERS IN ARMS

Strong party record; big heavy grooves, foot slammin' funk, big on boogie. At least 3 or 4 good hits on this showcase of a coming together; the video for the first single, Anna shows a band relaxed and having a good time. This attitude shines over the whole of the music - first 4 songs on the CD are like an entrance to a good club show in progress. After the title cut Temple of Soul jams out (a hit in itself), the album slides into a steamy ride with Ode To China. Clarence Clemmons has never sounded so smooth, his breath wrapping around you, sax singing the melody. The complete Temple Of Soul package is a dream team, besides Clemmons, Michael Walden is a pleasant surprise handling the skins, and the propeller is funked with Ice Black on the strings (Diamond Girl riffs out) and TM Stevens throwin' fours. Songs like the Purple Haze remake will actually work in a group setting like this, the talent is there. I usually despise remakes, but I can get down with this funky ride around the mind. Everyone in this band sings, which is a real badge. If you remember the early days of real funk, as a young child I was privileged to hear, "Salty" brings the spaceship back for another round. Excellent. Long Distance Entertainment, 561-369-755, LDEPR@aol.com, WWW.CLARENCECLEMONS.COM