Barrio Jazz Gang

It was 2002 when the Barrio
Jazz Gang’s first CD, “Spectrum”,
was released, venturing into Nu Jazz territory with an electronic flair. They
quickly became an Italian reality with strong northern european influences from
Germany and France
but maintaing their strong  Mediteranean
melodic flavor.

The two tracks that created
the most buzz at that time were: “Linda Cançao” and “Chok-a-blok Avenue”. The first became a
“must”, so to speak, in the NuJazz world due to it’s smooth feel and was added
to many chill-out and lounge/dance playlists. The second was noted for it’s
Afro-Jazz and South American groove became a floor-filler in the most refined
international clubs.

Their new project is
entitled “2”, simbolic of duality, partnership,
yin-yang, polarity, stereophonic sound, binary rhythms and so on.... but the
strongest significance of the title can be found in the sense of continuity and evolution of the sound
they created with their groundbreaking first project, “Spectrum”, which
received unanimous acclaim from the international community, great reviews and inclusion
in playlist all over the Web even now, years after it’s initial release!

This new chapter, “2”, is a work born from the
union of producer/composer Roby Collela (founder of  Funky Juice Records) and co-producer/composer
and guitarist Steve Micarelli.

The space it comes alive in
is first and foremost a very groovy place... full of vital beats that flow in a
crescendo of tension/release bringing 
you to a place where new aural horizons unfold continually before you,
constantly mutating  and morphing in
fascinating ways.

It’s rhythms are enriched
by the sound of live horns and ethnic instruments; sitars, tabla and tampoura.

Many of it’s tracks are
graced by the vocal presence of  Pauline
London, another wonderful talent from the Funky Juice Records family. Pauline
is also the lyricist for these songs.

The material ranges from
the sunny mood of “Entre o ceo o mar”, dedicated to the beautiful beaches of Brazil,
to the deeper and socially aware “Safe Under the Sun”, an inspired call for
planetary harmony.

“Kobra Smile”         

This “Indo-RnB” number
features baritone sax blowing over a tampoura and tabla-driven groove.

“Five Apple-Maples”

A tribute to the Paul
Desmond jazz classic “Take Five” but projected into the Third Millenium by a
tasty 5/4 electronic loop.

“Take yr Freedom Back”

A hot Latin-Funk groove
provides the setting for Pauline London’s vocalizations. Here, Pauline uses her
voice as an instrument to lead us into this soft and sensual world. The horn
section is tight and the solos are hot. Check out the stellar work of Steve
Micarelli (gtr) and Carlo Micheli (sax).

“Jumpclub”

The most representative
track and natural successor to the popular “Chok-a-blok Avenue”.

It evolves thematically and
rhythmically, creating a truly fresh concept of jazz, danceable yet
hypnotically fascinating.

“Spanish Market”

We find ourselves in the
south of Spain
where the Arab influence is strong. Here BJG pulls out the best horns
riifs  & guitar patterns  in support of trumpet master Eddie
Henderson’s jazz soloing over this Morriconi-like guitar theme.

“Entre
o ceo o mar”

Radio-oriented while
retaining it’s harmonic and instrumental richness. Pauline’s vocal take us to
that special place between “the sky and the sea...”

“Amor
para soñhar”

This Bossa-Nova influenced song will have you
singing for a long time after you hear it...possibly in the shower in some
tropical paradise!

“One Mile to Mumbai”

Imagine a musical journey
to an Indo-oriental Metropolis, sometime in the future but it’s a retro-future.
Sitar sounds kick us into this kaleidescopic soundscape...

“Nude Look”

Intimately
psychedelic...this track surrounds you, caresses you...soft textures, it’s
voices call to you, the flute draws you in 
deeper and deeper until you are overwhelmed by the perfume of sonic love
breezes...listen to this with someone special!

“Free as the Wind”

Soft, dreamy
funk...glancing back to the ‘70’s... Vibraphone, guitar, and clavinet will take
you there!

“Safe Under the Sun”

Vocal/horn unison melodic
treatment  riminescent will remind you of
the atmospheres created by  Trovajoli or
Morriconi.

“Sunday Show (remix) ”


Here we go! Mainstream Nu Jazz
is in full effect. Elvin Jones-style cymbal work over a “4 on the floor” bass
drum beat  drives this groove in support
of veteran trumpet jazzer Eddie Henderson’s flights of fantasy. Wow! The Benson
–flavored guitar and repitive, mantra-like vocal phrasing  seals the deal on this definitely groovin’
track!