The London-based jazz-funk quintet Resolution 88 have recently released an incredible new conceptual album that explores “the vinyl record,” and all the aspects that are a part it, including everything from pitch changes, and the visual sensation of spinning wax, to runout grooves, and matrix markings on different record pressings.

Released on the German label Légère Recordings, the record musically blends cosmic electric synth and keys, with hypnotic saxophone melodies, funky percussion rhythms, and heavy bass grooves. The overall “vinyl record” concept of the album is truly unique, for example on the album’s opening track “Pitching Up”, you can hear the music shift speeds from 33rpm to 45rpm, and on “Revolution”, the circling hypnotic lead saxophone line evokes the mesmerizing visual of the record’s label spinning.

Led by keyboardist, pianist and composer Tom O’Grady, the band also features, saxophonist, flautist, and reeds player Alex Hitchcock, bassist Tiago Coimbra, drummer Ric Elsworth, and percussionist/sound manipulator Oli Blake. From a 1975 Rhodes suitcase mk1, and Wurlitzer 200a, to Hohner Clavinet D6 and a 1978 Fender jazz bass, this album was recorded using some jaw-dropping gear.

Overall, Revolutions is an absolutely brilliant album, and certainly one of the best jazz-funk albums of 2019. Receiving praise from legendary producer Larry Mizell, and touring with everyone from Roy Ayers and The BlackByrds, to Snarky Puppy and Butcher Brown, Resolution 88 is certainly a band on the rise and this new recording absolutely delivers musically on all levels.

Highly recommended for fans of Headhunters and Herbie Hancock.

Resolution 88 — ‘Revolutions’
(Légère Recordings)

1. Pitching Up
2. Out Of Sync
3. Revolutions
4. Runout Groove
5. Sample Hunter
6. Dig Deep Ft. Marcus Tenney
7. Matrix
8. Tracking Force
9. Warped Memories

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