Search - Aja West & Cheeba :: Flash & Snowball

I'd classify this as a guilty pleasure . . .

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 10/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

". . . if it weren't so danged accomplished. I admit, I took a flyer on this one: I purchased it with no idea of what I was getting into, something I do from time to time, especially if I can get a disc used or as a cutout from my local Independent Records store for a couple of bucks.



What we've got here is 70's style instrumental soul-funk-jazz, neatly updated and filtered through a kinda wacky thumb-your-nose-at-the-establishment aesthetic. What amazes about this disc is not only the incredibly high music and production values for an indie project, but its zaniness and pure pleasurability.



Featuring a dizzying array of instruments (11 by leader Aja West and 10 by pal Cheeba) and augmented by 18 more played by various guests, the soundscape emerges with an entirely unexpected clarity and precision.



A huge surprise filled with smart, funky music brilliantly conceived and pulled off this is my left-field disc of the year. Absolutely irresistible."

Yep, this is a classic!!!!

K. A. Heiderich | Seattle, WA USA | 08/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A departure from his 2000 release, Trauma... Life in the ER, but Aja West and sidekick Cheeba continue to bring results not common with indie talent.



If you are in to 70's funk/electronic, you have to know that this album is for you. If you like The Beastie Boy's Ill Communication, this album is for you. Aja and Cheeba blend the melody of the organs and keyboards, with stunning horn and some string arrangments with that really work with the funk embedded in it. The result feels like a Jazz/Funk fusion that doesn't disappoint.



Certainly for all fans, as both my friends and my mother (eeeekkk!!) have been grooving to it. I would recommend this for any fan of Jazz or 70's funk.



Also, for those desiring more information, I found out a lot about Aja, Cheeba, and a few other bands on thier label at [...]. Great stuff, I recommend it to all.



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