Thornwood, a Jazz-Funk Band based in Rochester, NY is "just a little Sly", which happens to be the title of their debut CD. Thornwood uses a heavy dose of the Crusaders, throws in the finesse of the Marcus Miller/Mile Davis collaboration, and adds sh [+]Thornwood, a Jazz-Funk Band based in Rochester, NY is "just a little Sly", which happens to be the title of their debut CD. Thornwood uses a heavy dose of the Crusaders, throws in the finesse of the Marcus Miller/Mile Davis collaboration, and adds sheer funk and versatility reminiscent of George Duke and Herbie Hancock's Headhunters band. When Gregory "G-Rob" Robinson stirs the pot with his soulful R&B vocals and urban contemporary sound, Thornwood produces some funk that is all their own.
The band is a collaboration between Marcus Robinson, founder and president of WMG Records, the independent label that signed Thornwood in early 2004 and Herb Smith, a veteran of the Western New York music scene. Smith has performed with such noted artists as Al Jareau, Natalie Cole, Doc Severenson and the O-Jays. Thornwood joins the ranks of the Upstate New York jazz environment that produced Grover Washington, Jr., Chuck Mangione and Cabo Frio.
"just a little Sly" features music from Sly and the Family Stone arranged by Herb Smith as well as original songs by Marcus Robinson, also arranged by Smith. The CD includes G-Rob's interpretation of "It's a Family Affair", "Sing a Simple Song", "Babies Making Babies" and "Our Time Together". Tony Newton, best known for his work with the likes of Smokey Robinson, Tony Williams and Stevie Wonder, lays down some of most memorable bass lines in the Funk genre. His fusion-inspired tenor solo in "Babies Making Babies" is a show stopper!
Herb Smith's sultry, muted trumpet solos and horn section arrangements add a dimension of sophistication and artistry to this funk-driven project. He is well complimented by newcomer Gustavo Lizarraga on saxophones, whose gritty tenor solo in "Swingin' Fo' Da' Fence" is reminiscent of Wilton Felder and Maceo Parker. Marcus Robinson consistently delivers a heavy dose of funk with his scratching rhythms, sophisticated wah-wah grooves and soulful melodies. Kelvin Brooks (drums), Josh Solarsky (keyboards), Chuck Shew (percussion), Mike Parker (lead guitar on "Babies Making Babies") and Ryan Yanel (trombone) deliver solid home-grown performances throughout.
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