Album Notes

FunkThis returns with a new line up and another amazing CD. Paying homage to some of their favorite groups, this CD is at times funky, jazzy, rocking and holy rolling. Flavors range from classic R&B to FM rock to gospel on this inspired sophomore effort.

Diggin' is another celebration as FunkThis evokes the magic of their musical inspirations. Not merely a funk offering in the strictest sense, Diggin' holds the spirit of funk at its root. "We were thinking about the great records and rhythm sections we admired when we started putting this CD together," says co-founder Chris Clermont. "Sly & The Family Stone, James Brown, Stuff, Toto, Earth, Wind & Fire, Rufus (featuring Chaka Khan), Mothers' Finest, Little Feat, and the Average White Band among others had incredible rhythm sections that produced many exciting records we loved from the 70s. Fabrizio channeled Grover Washington, Jr and Eddie Harris in his sax workthis time around, so you get an idea of where we were coming from. We just said to ourselves, let's do a CD we would dig as if we had nothing to do with it!"

Co-founders Chris Clermont (vocals/guitars), Henrik EngQvist (drums), and Fabrizio Mandolini (saxophones) return, but personnel changes with the exit of Brian Ogawa and Pohl Reimann. Guests include Justin Reinhardt, Massimiliano Coclite, and Michael Basich (keyboards); Alex Acuña, Ricardo Wilkins, and Joel Alpers (percussion); Jimmy Haslip, Marc Ebermann, and Brian Ogawa (bass); Eric Tewalt (saxophones and flute); and Sarah Taylor (lead vocals).

This CD contains a bonus "live" version of "What's Goin' On" from their 2005 European tour.

Do yourself a favor: Cop this CD and dig!!!