My choice this month is not a new release, however it is one of the classic Australian jazz/funk albums of the mid 1990’s.
The group is called DIG (Directions in Groove) and features a unique blend of original jazz, funk, rock, indigenous and even world music influences, expertly played by Scott Saunders on Hammond, rhodes, pianos and vocals, Tim Rollinson on guitar, Rick Robertson on saxophones and flute, Terepai Richmond on drums and percussion and Cameron Undy and Alex Hewetson sharing electric and acoustic bass.
The opening track, Two Way Dreamtime, is a fantastic combination of ethereal aboriginal sounds moving into a solid funky jazz/rock groove. This would make an ideal opening number for an evening where the atmosphere needs to be really funky and cool.
From there, we hear the up tempo grooves of The Favourite, Hip Replacement, Terrified From Dizzy Heights, the brassy sound of Pythonicity and the medium funk of The Dig theme (really nice) and Re-invent Yourself. Then there are cool laid back tracks such as Gil, Shelf Life and Inner Blue Funk.
Along the way, the main music tracks are punctuated with smaller “interlude” tracks, which act as a sort of transition point between the many different musical styles featured on this CD. A clever and innovative idea that works very well, and once again makes this CD ideal for playing in restaurants, bars and cafes. It is particularly suited to establishments that are cool, funky and groovy, with a hip staff and décor and menu to match.
First published in Restaurant and Catering Magazine, Aug 2001