CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Candy Dulfer
Album: Funked Up & Chilled Out (2009 Heads Up)
Tracks: CD 1 – 12 / CD 2 – 10
Artist website: http://www.candydulfer.nl
REVIEW OVERVIEW:
Candy Dulfer has reigned as the queen of funky fusion saxophone for two decades. Her resume is as impressive as her skills on the instrument. This double CD has two sides to it. Disc 1 is the Funked Up side and disc 2 is the Chilled Out side. As the titles imply, the first disc brings the funk and the second disc is the smooth jazz side. There is a lot of “old school” mixed with modern funk and jazz. This is a review of the Deluxe edition of the CD which we thought is well worth the bucks!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Cd 101.9, Be Cool, Still I Love You, Ambiente
PLAY BY PLAY REVIEW
CD 1
Track 1 – First In Line
Can you say Funk? I can. The groove in this track makes you wanna groove along with it. Ms. Dulfer! Can I get a little more funk please?
Track 2 – My Funk
Nice blend of funk and hip-hop.
Track 3 – Step Up
Nice up tempo tune. I have no idea what the lyrics are, but who cares when track is interesting and Candy starts soloing, right?
Track 4 – Don’t Go
Medium tempo ballad. Well placed as a breather to the up tempo start of the CD.
Track 5 – Cd 101.9
I just love the old school vibe this song has.
Track 6 – Be Cool
The title of this track says it all! (No extra commentary needed)
Track 7 – Cruise Control
Such a deep groove!
Track 8 – Finger Poppin’
This discoesque track is sure to be a hit on the dance floor.
Track 9 – True & Tender
Cool reggae track. I wasn’t expecting this.
Track 10 – On & On
This one is a nice fusion tune with funky elements to it.
Track 11 – Roppongi Panic
It’s hard for me to put into words what I think of this piece. It has elements of Lily Was Here but is not as smooth or slow as it. It’s got a very European element to it.
Track 12 – N.J. Turnpike
I wonder how the main theme is supposed to exactly remind the listener of what the New Jersey Turnpike is like. It’s got a very Indian/Middle Eastern vibe to it. Nice tune none-the-less.
PLAY BY PLAY REVIEW
CD 2
Track 1 – Bliss 2 This
Smooth, smooth, smooth! “Oh, so good…” (but a little on the repetitive side of things)
Track 2 – Still I Love You
What a gorgeous melody! Awesome ballad. This is probably my favorite track on the whole CD.
Track 3 – Anything You Need
This tracks takes you to the side of smooth jazz.
Track 4 – Smoovgroove
A really slow jam. Ms. Dulfer knows how to be very smooth indeed.
Track 5 – Ambiente
I love the acoustic guitar groove in this track. The title is not misleading, this is ambient in all the right ways.
Track 6 – In Deep
Every track on CD 2 has delivered on the promise of being Chilled Out. This track is no exception.
Track 7 – Tambores
This sounds like it could be on a soundtrack for a movie. It sounds very big and grand.
Track 8 – Supernaturel
Very minimalistic and very tranquil. I like it.
Track 9 – Oda Al Vino
Here’s the straight up Latin influenced “Smooth” Jazz track. Minimalistic in approach again, but pretty.
Track 10 – Sunrise
This is a very sweet track to close the album with.