THORNWOOD: Family Affair (single)

Thornwood

Family Affair (single)

© 2004 Sylvester Stewart (634479034084)

CD coming back in stock soon.

If you want us to email you the minute this CD arrives, enter your name and email address here. We will not give or sell your info to anyone, and will not use it for any other reason than to tell you when it arrives.

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

Soulful jazz-funk interpretations of the Sly and the Family Stone classics

notes

Thornwood, a Jazz-Funk Band based in Rochester, NY is "just a little Sly", which happens to be the title of their debut CD. Thornwood uses a heavy dose of the Crusaders, throws in the finesse of the Marcus Miller/Mile Davis collaboration, and adds sheer funk and versatility reminiscent of George Duke and Herbie Hancock's Headhunters band. When Gregory "G-Rob" Robinson stirs the pot with his soulful R&B vocals and urban contemporary sound, Thornwood produces some funk that is all their own.

The band is a collaboration between Marcus Robinson, founder and president of WMG Records, the independent label that signed Thornwood in early 2004 and Herb Smith, a veteran of the Western New York music scene. Smith has performed with such noted artists as Al Jareau, Natalie Cole, Doc Severenson and the O-Jays. Thornwood joins the ranks of the Upstate New York jazz environment that produced Grover Washington, Jr., Chuck Mangione and Cabo Frio.

"just a little Sly" features music from Sly and the Family Stone arranged by Herb Smith as well as original songs by Marcus Robinson, also arranged by Smith. The CD includes G-Rob's interpretation of "It's a Family Affair", "Sing a Simple Song", "Babies Making Babies" and "Our Time Together". Tony Newton, best known for his work with the likes of Smokey Robinson, Tony Williams and Stevie Wonder, lays down some of most memorable bass lines in the Funk genre. His fusion-inspired tenor solo in "Babies Making Babies" is a show stopper!

Herb Smith's sultry, muted trumpet solos and horn section arrangements add a dimension of sophistication and artistry to this funk-driven project. He is well complimented by newcomer Gustavo Lizarraga on saxophones, whose gritty tenor solo in "Swingin' Fo' Da' Fence" is reminiscent of Wilton Felder and Maceo Parker. Marcus Robinson consistently delivers a heavy dose of funk with his scratching rhythms, sophisticated wah-wah grooves and soulful melodies. Kelvin Brooks (drums), Josh Solarsky (keyboards), Chuck Shew (percussion), Mike Parker (lead guitar on "Babies Making Babies") and Ryan Yanel (trombone) deliver solid home-grown performances throughout.

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • If Funk is Your Ache, Thornwood is Your Cure!
    author: DJ Dave Moskal, WGMC Jazz 90.1

    Thornwood brings the Funk! On August 7th a brand new band brought some old school funk to a standing room only Montage Grill. Thornwood, who has a new EP, which pays tribute to Sly Stone, not only brought the funk but also brought a great R&B vibe to the club. Cinnamon a guest vocalist had the crowd on the dance floor jammin to classic funk and soul tunes. The band led by Marcus Robinson on guitar, who played with Mandrill, and Herb Smith on trumpet had the funk down. The show ended with the classic James Brown tune "Pass the Peas" where Bill Tiberio, on alto sax, gave it a Maceo like work out. If funk is your ache, Thorwood is your cure! Dave Moskal Host of "Muskie's Juke Joint" Sunday's 7-10pm (Jazz 90.1)

  • Great Stuff. Can't wait to see the band live!!
    author: Mike Nuccitelli

    What a great sound. Enjoyed the CD but can't wait to see the band live! The music is alive and the funk is great. Can't wait for more.

  • I like your music and your name. So far, you're batting a thousand!
    author: John Marcus, V107.9 Atlanta, GA

    You guys are like a Modern-Day Jeff Lorber Fusion (slash) Pleasure (slash) BNH. You'll fit in nicely with the heavyweights I play on a daily basis.

  • What a great sounding band!
    author: Mike Cook

    Pat and I had a great time last night listening and watching you [Marcus] and your band. We were astounded at the level of the performances and you were right, the sax player was a "monster" as is your band mate Herb. We sat near the drummer's wife and she said her husband was excited and terrifically nervous to be playing with you guys because you were so good. You were so good!

  • Thornwood has got the Funk!
    author: Scott O'Brien

    Are ya ready for some serious fusion-funk? Then this debut CD, JUST A LITTLE SLY, is the one for you. Thornwood, a kickin’ band from Rochester, N.Y., knows how to lay it down, with a sound that could easily be described as “The Crusaders meet the Headhunters”.

  • Solid "remake" of the Sly Stone classic!
    author: Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

    This Thornwood interpretation of the Sly Stone classic “Family Affair,” has been truly modernized for city living in 2004. It seems so fresh and applicable today. You would swear it was just yesterday that the words and music came together for this session. For those of you to young to remember, “Family Affair” was recorded nearly 30 years ago. Speaking of today, [the bonus track] “Babies Making Babies” is a sad but true reality in this world, the words hit home and the music is outstanding. September 8, 2004

  • Music to get your foot tapping, first, and get you dancing, next.
    author: Richard Glaser

    These recognizable tunes are as funky as the original Sly & the Family Stone versions, but show individuality and adoration by the gifted Thornwood ensemble. G-Rob's vocals convey genuine blues and soul, the stuff that makes funk so connected to a musical current that has coursed through America's veins throughout the 20th and into the 21st century. The throbbing bass will make you shake your booty. I can't wait for more from these guys.

email

Please log in to email this artist.