Rh Factor Hard Groove Rarest

Trumpeter issued two albums at the same time in 2006: this one with electric instruments and, an all-acoustic post-bop-oriented date. Kudos are owed to Verve for standing behind him so supportively in this day and age of safe, bland, and unimaginative 'traditional' records., like in 2003, is a neo-soul-jazz date with a healthy dose of funk and fusion tossed into the mix. Royal Mail Postcode File more.

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's was the first time left his bop orientation as a leader, and while that record had killer moments and loads of special guests -- including,,,,,,, and to name a few, this date is recorded with his own band, with a return appearance by on 'Bull***t' and the great saxophonist playing on about half the set. The returning alumni from the band are, who sings and plays a killer Wurlitzer; on keyboards (from piano to Moog to Rhodes); saxophonist; and drummer. There is a much more urban soul feel to this date, and the grooves themselves are tougher. On the opener, 'Distractions,' which is a recurring theme on the disc, the horns and guitar are knotty -- they touch on, but they don't drift. The sound is tight, edgy.

Straight-up urban soul gets the nod on a few cuts here, most notably 'Crazy Race,' the smooth funk of 'Holdin' On,' and 'On the One,' all tracks featuring on vocals. 'Family' is an impressionistic jazz-soul ballad. 'Kansas City Funk' and 'A Place' are hardcore funk (the latter in the manner of and ), and it's wonderful to hear and along with filling in the deep grooves.