Acidic, heavy funk marks this ride with Plunky (aka Plunky & Oneness) and his contribution to this integral fabric of jazz as offered up with Cold Heat. The prolific and insightful saxman shows again that he has the feel for what’s needed at the dance. He now has a pretty nice bevy of releases and I’ve been quite comfortable with most of them. This happens to be one of them…easily.
The hot opening cut “Drop” sets the mood for the heat to follow. Tunes like “The Meaning of Life,” the Funkadelic-like “Does Everybody (Live Mix)” and “Hop Skip & A Jump” paint a sizzling canvas with sheer fire and intensity. The hooks and melodies throughout are top-shelf quality and danceability goes without saying. Even the soulful, slower-paced love jams like “Nevertheless” serve to satisfy immensely and the help of some very competent vocals and harmonies don’t diminish this project one iota (Ido prefer the guest vocals over Plunky, if I’m being honest, however. Sorry, Plunky).
What’s not to like about this type of get-at-cha funk? It’s big, fat, loaded with expression and depth and needs no identification or introduction. Plunky keeps it coming and folks just keep dancin’ to that groove. Isn’t that what a party is supposed to offer? Cold Heat comes fully loaded and prepped to play. Let your hair down, inhibitions float away and just have fun with this one. I’m sure that’s what Plunky would want. Let’s not disappoint the man---as if, after listening to this one, you could.
Tracks: Drop, The Meaning of Life, Does Everybody (Live Mix), In This World, Hollar Back, The Near Future, Hop Skip & Jump, Nevertheless, What It Is Is What It Is, Getting It Right, Why Don't You Love Me, It's You, Rain, Does Everybody (Paris Mix)
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