In the mid-’90s one of the coolest and forward musically groups to arrive on the then-burgeoning west coast groove scene was the sleek funk outfit The Greyboy Allstars. So now in 2020, while promoting Como De Allstars, their first album in seven years, guitarist Elgin Park stated, “For better or worse we are the same band”. Throughout all of Como De Allstars, the better way outweighs the worse as the San Diego based band (saxophone/flute Karl Denson, guitarist Park, keys Robert Walter, bass Chris Stillwell, and drums Aaron Redfield) easily recapture their synergy as a pulsating organism of their get down sound.
As the title of the album indicates, there is an injection of fresh Latin/Tropicalia sounds to the band’s funky boogaloo style, and that is present right off the bat with the grooving title track. Those Tropicalia vibes continue with the spicy “Catalina” and “Born Into Space,” as Denson’s flute work and Walters electro synths waft rhythmically.
The Allstars’ forte is their late-night crisp soulful funk and two of Como‘s strongest tracks demonstrate that style expertly. “The Skipper” is a raging groove fest that allows each musician to cut loose and jam as Denson’s saxophone work shines bright along with Stillwell’s bass. The album closer “Rebounder” fits exactly into the relaxed cool funk style as well, wrapping up the album successfully.
The stop starting B3 accented “Executive Party” and the instrumental sweet spot “Complete Breakfast” will both be easily expanded on the live stage when touring resumes. A noticeable retro sound gets two different airings as “Warm Brass” is a change of pace, embodying a mid-decade pop tune complete with vocals, while “Les Imperials” feels like a funky theme song to a network ‘70s show.
The Greyboy Allstars easily converse as longtime comrades and simpatico players on Como De Allstars, continuing their smooth and rolling funky ways. You can’t expect much less from Karl Denson & Co and that’s a good thing.
Photo by Robbie Jeffers
