After the release of three highly successful 12″ EPs (2005’s Gumbo Funk, 2009’s Speakin’ Nuyorican, and 2011’s Ningane EP), Brooklyn’s Bastard Jazz Recordings are proud to finally present the full length artist album by Captain Planet, entitled ‘Cookin’ Gumbo’. This full length expounds on the vibe of his previous releases and explores the Captain’s penchant for taking sounds from all corners of the globe fusing Latin, African and even Indian music applying his hip-hop production sensibilities. The result is an irresistible helping of fiery dancefloor grooves served piping hot from the Captain’s Gumbo pot! ‘Cookin Gumbo’s first stop is ‘Ram Ad Infinitum’, with it’s deep & spiritual Hindu vibe, yet hard hitting head crackin’ drum break, expert chops and buzzing synths. Next up is highly infectious feel good Latin inspired outing ‘Get You Some’, with vocals from up-and-coming LA actor, dancer and soulstress, Brit Laurén, featuring a bossa-nova inspired beat that fans of Captain Planet will recognize from his incredibly popular and oft-played remix of Erykah Badu’s ‘Cleva’. Brit also delivers a sultry vocal on the cool Neo Soul outing ‘Burn Baby Burn’. More Brazil flavours feature on the funky ‘Macumba’, the party starting drum’n’bass meets hip-hop in Rio vibes of ‘Fumando’ and ‘Samba Radiante 2011’ – a total dancefloor reconstruction of a popular track from the Captain’s first EP! Next stop is Africa with ‘Ningane’ – a horn driven slice of afro beat with vocals from the Congo’s Fredy Massamba (known for his vocals house productions with Boddhi Satva and Ezel), and the electro Nigerian bomb ‘Lagos Speedway’. More Latin shots are served as the Captain docks into Puerto Rico with ‘Dame Agua’ and ‘Speakin’ Nuyorican’, then Japan on ‘One For Japan’ and the funky American South for ‘On Yer Feet’. A truly intoxicating worldwide musical journey!
5 out of 5
Reviewed By A.Rash
