FUNKY!!
author: Lorna Blaine - Los Angeles
I caught these guys at the Temple Bar in Santa Monica and they had the crowd mesmerized. There is no doubt that they are destined for greatness. The CD is great, but does not capture the raw energy of their live performance. What I really like about them is that they create this unbelievable vibe of organic, deep pocketed, sophisticated funk, which I consider to be rare in this era of funk resurgence. Most bands in this scene do not capture that feel, and they normally lose me after a few tunes. Not these cats. See you guys next time your down at the Temple Bar!
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author: Aaron Serrao - SF Weekly, San Francisco
The formula of phat sycopated beats coupled with dizzying brass instruments has flourished in this era on '70s funk revival, and UFM is no exception. Any funk band worth a damn starts with a rhythm section; and the tight, infectious foundation laid down on "CrossContagulation!" would make the Meters proud. UFM's talented horn section offer Mardi Gras-style bursts that might inspire the listener to flash for beads. However the spine of this record is Scott Woods' spirited guitar licks. Never allowing the band do dealve into the realm of "Funk Lite", Woods guitar is intense without the requisite masturbation solos.
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Great Grooves! A fresh new approach to good ol' roots funk.
author: Josh Lipton
UFM has come out of the wild funky blue, and lucky for me!! I was very happy that I stumbled upon their debut CD "CrossContagulation", and being their first recording effort I am thoroughly impressed! The opening cut "Nervous Tic" burns and takes me back to the days of groovers such as Grant Green, and Melvin Sparks. "Get yo Ass Uptown" and the following cut, "Uptown" takes you back to New Orleans for that classic Crescent City funk and second-line goodness. "Peelin Bark" and "Greezy Cheeze" are my other favorites. These tracks attest to UFM's original and fresh style. Now I just need to experience them live!! Get out to New York UFM!! I strongly recommend this album.
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Steely Dan and Early Chicago meets Tower of Power grooves
author: Peter Willow - Austin, Texas
Praise goes out to UFM for keeping vintage, funky, and organic groovin alive! This is a great CD. The horn arrangements are tight and performed flawlessly, and the grooves laid beneath them by the rhythm section will make asses shake! Keep an eye out for these boys. "Greezy Cheeze" is my favorite. It has melodic echos of some of the funkier Steely Dan stuff, and has a Tower of Power feel that is right up my alley.
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