CD Review

Vinyl may be one of the west coast’s premiere, good time party bands, but really, what’s a party without guests? Recorded over two nights in the fall of 2002 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, Vinyl answers that call with All The Way Live, bringing the all-night party home with some serious friends along to celebrate.

Over the course of this fully packed, double disc offering, Vinyl manages to touch on just about every feel good style known to man, further solidifying themselves as the ultimate party jukebox. Of course that means plenty of funk and groove, which they certainly throw down, but they distance themselves from that over-saturated field by bring a level of sophistication to the thumping bass lines. “Lasiti” and “San G.” are a pair of complete funk workhorses led by Danny Cao’s commanding trumpet, only to be outdone by the Rob Wasserman and Bernie Worrell pairing on “Moonshine Heather.” And Vinyl guitarist Billy Frates absolutely sinks his funk teeth into "Animal 57," taking that song to new heights, making it a top contender in a strong collection.

Spanish melodies float through “Mascebollas” and the Santana-tinged “Sofrito,” while bouncing reggae rhythms and dub beats roll through “Things I Could Do” and “Truth and Rights.” The rich musical blend is tightened by a hip-hop run in “Wax,” featuring both MC Soulati and MC D. Wolf on the mic, and solos are traded on the smooth lines that encompass “Whedawedat.” But hidden within all the high octane is the easily overlooked gem, “Skumbo.” It’s casual, burlesque swing captures the bay area band at it’s relaxed finest, as they back 80s icon Huey Lewis on harmonica.

Forget the five-disc changer at your next party - this double disc will cover you just fine.

See vinylgroove.com for more info