Search - Average White Band :: Cut the Cake

Get Your Groove On

Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 11/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Average White Band got it; funk through the intricate charts of a solid horn section and a rhythm through drum and guitar that could go all night long.



In a nod to Gamble and Huff's Philadelphia sound, the Scottish group starts off strong with Cut The Cake and School Boy Crush. Hamish Stuart seems to play with the lyrics on the latter in a style that more than borrows from Curtis Mayfield.



And just maybe because the music was made by musicians - and not through technological gadgets in a studio that so dominates the industry today - it will remain a classic in sound & style. Cut the cake, please; but save me a slice for later!



"

Great Old School Funk

Gregory A. Marsh | Evanston, WY USA | 12/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just some hot funkin' soul from the mid-70's...dancing tunes to the max and what man doesn't enjoy the "w" in AWB!

My personal fave will always be "If I Ever Lose This Heaven" cause I grew up in a small apartment over a bar and this tune was a staple on the jukebox when it first came out. I used to lay on the floor and funk on down with that song!

Great memories...great, great cd.

Greg

"

Groove the night away !

Eddie Landsberg | Tokyo, Japan | 09/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is definitely not only my favorite AWB album (o.k. maybe close second), but a close runner up for all time favorite '70s funk and blue eyed soul album, period...

Ironically, the album was recorded after the tragic death of their original drummer, and apparently there had been enough infighting during the session that producer Arif Martin almost pulled the plug - - luckily he didn't....



Driven by the tight in the pocket drumming of studio stick master Steve Ferrone (also of Brian Auger and the Oblivion Express fame), the album is interesting because although perhaps the two opening tunes will forever be the best remembered (SCHOOL BOY CRUSH being an instantly recognizable major hip hop break beat), the album also shows their ability to carry their formula in other directions as well... at times it works (for example, when they do stuff that's almost Steely Dan-ish or even anticipating the Doobies circa "MINUTE BY MINUTE") - - a few times, it doesn't work... but still, what's amazing is that the album does have a lot of variety and direction. (Incidentally, I think the tune IF I EVER LOSE THIS HEAVEN is yet one of many under-rated gems on the album !)



All in all, the band its at its best when they're able to play off their trademark JB influenced rhythm guitar/bass/drum lock... When they do, the band really bumps... Its definitely one of those albums that I've found myself coming back to over and over and over again for almost the past 20 years and playing loud - - In conclusion, if for some reason you haven't had the chance to get it yet, my advice is simple: GET IT !"