Did you ever have the feeling that something was missing in your life? I found something that I didn’t realize I was missing and I am so glad I found it. That thing is Heavy Ohio Organ Funk!! You read that right. I had no idea this was a thing, but apparently it is and it is awesome. And it is fairly current although it sounds like it is straight out of the 70’s, this album was original released in 2010 (maybe 2009). Organ Funk is where it is at and I have found it with a band called The Jive Turkeys.
And who are The Jive Turkeys? In their own words, they are the Whitest Guys Playing The Blackest Music. They are Matt Amburgy (organ), Terry Cole (bass), Andrew DeRoberts (guitar), and Rob Houk (drums) and if you notice, no one on vocals and that is because this is an instrumental album. It is as if James Brown decided to do only instrumental music. It is soulful and funkilicious. It is pretty much an homage to the funk of the 70’s, but unique in its own rights. Sit back and get ready for your bread to be buttered with the soulfulness funk that will transport you to another time.
SIDE 1:
The organ is front and center in “The Funky Turkey” and that rhythm section is to die for. The real highlight is the drum solo by Rob Houk. What a way to open the album. “JT Strut” is up next and will have you moving your feet as there is a cockiness and confidence to it that feels like the band is strutting their stuff as these guys know what they are doing. Next we get a slow-burner with “Soul Hi” as it is sultry and sensual and has a great melody to it.
They don’t keep things slow as “Chickenfoot” comes roaring out of the gate. The magic of these songs and the albums is that organ as it is the vocals piece missing. But don’t underestimate the guitar picking of Andrew DeRoberts as he is no slouch and this is a showcase for him. “Straight Fire” is up next and total jam. Matt Amburgy’s organ takes this song to the next level. And Terry Cole’s bass is in the mix too as his rhythm is the driving force behind the song. The first single off the album and when you hear it, you’ll know why. The last track on the first side is “Bill Collector” and Terry’s bass is working overtime on this one. A high powered, explosive track with the whole band turning it up a notch on this one.
SIDE 2:
You will flip this disc fast so you can get right back to the music and “Stamp” will not disappoint. It is another slower track with such a killer groove, a soulfulness and even a few psychedelic elements in the playing. “Funky Brewster” is more funky goodness. Another banger of a jam that comes at you in full force. With “Talkin’ That Talk”, the band picks up the tempo even more and races through and electric song that has them definitely letting those instruments talk as they walk the walk. Hell, listen to the drum solo, the rhythm and the organ all showing off because they can.
“Grimmin’” is a down & dirty funked up track. The bass and guitar play nicely off each other and the organ accentuates it all. Tasty goodness. The longest song on the album at just under 4 minutes is another guitar masterclass for Andrew. “B.A.” is badass guitar machismo with a side of organ to match. “Otis Lament” is a soulful, blues piece that will show you these guys are not a one trick pony. It is full of sadness and the guitar is almost weeping as it bleeds the blues. What a brilliant way to end the album.
When I bought this album as an exclusive from Noble Records, I thought to myself, this is going to be one that sucks as it is funk and organ funk at that. But amazingly NO!! It is one of my favorites from his exclusives and when I am in the mood for some sensational music and musicianship, I pull this thing out and let it play. Noble’s exclusive was limited to only 200 copies I believe and thank goodness I have one. The Jive Turkeys – ‘Bread & Butter’ is an experience I didn’t realize I needed and I am the better for it. Organ Funk! Who knew I needed that in my life? My Overall Score is a 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars. Damn!! And now I’m hungry…for more!!
