Frequently identified as an acid-jazz ensemble, the Chicago-rooted collective known as Liquid Soul might be more accurately viewed as a pure funk band. They're energized by a wonderfully wayward, freewheeling spirit again ... more »on Here's the Deal, the group's third release. Deal follows 1998's Make Some Noise and their eponymous 1996 debut with another swinging assortment of house-party grooves anchored by Liquid Soul's horn-based frontline--including saxophonist Mars Williams (whose far-flung associations run from Anthony Braxton to Ministry to the Sun Ra Project, which Williams leads with Ken Vandermark), trumpeter Ron Haynes, and trombonist John Janowiak. The 12 selections on Deal (five recorded live) range from funk-heavy rap ("Sure Fire One," "Show Me") to nearly conventional R&B with jazzed-up, Liquid Soul twists ("Sex Tablet," "Rocket Scientist") to a flavorful, Latin-tinged ode to Dizzy Gillespie ("The Diz"). Simone, daughter of Nina Simone, sets two tracks aglow with soulful vocals ("Stop by Monie's," "Dysfunction"). Yet the recording's most involving tracks (along with drummer Dan Leali's Jeff Beck-flavored "Everybody's Got One") are the melded "Sweet Pea" and "Donkey Punch," a reeling, freestyle exercise that cross-pollinates bop, hip-hop, rock and an Asian netherworld before flinging you into a swirl of horn-driven industrial fusion. Definitely worth a listen. --Terry Wood« less
Frequently identified as an acid-jazz ensemble, the Chicago-rooted collective known as Liquid Soul might be more accurately viewed as a pure funk band. They're energized by a wonderfully wayward, freewheeling spirit again on Here's the Deal, the group's third release. Deal follows 1998's Make Some Noise and their eponymous 1996 debut with another swinging assortment of house-party grooves anchored by Liquid Soul's horn-based frontline--including saxophonist Mars Williams (whose far-flung associations run from Anthony Braxton to Ministry to the Sun Ra Project, which Williams leads with Ken Vandermark), trumpeter Ron Haynes, and trombonist John Janowiak. The 12 selections on Deal (five recorded live) range from funk-heavy rap ("Sure Fire One," "Show Me") to nearly conventional R&B with jazzed-up, Liquid Soul twists ("Sex Tablet," "Rocket Scientist") to a flavorful, Latin-tinged ode to Dizzy Gillespie ("The Diz"). Simone, daughter of Nina Simone, sets two tracks aglow with soulful vocals ("Stop by Monie's," "Dysfunction"). Yet the recording's most involving tracks (along with drummer Dan Leali's Jeff Beck-flavored "Everybody's Got One") are the melded "Sweet Pea" and "Donkey Punch," a reeling, freestyle exercise that cross-pollinates bop, hip-hop, rock and an Asian netherworld before flinging you into a swirl of horn-driven industrial fusion. Definitely worth a listen. --Terry Wood
"Liduid Soul's latest offering has proven to be their most funky album to date. As shown with the last two discs, there were some tracks thrown together just to complete the album; not this time. Each track has been laid out perfectly, from the "p-funk" of "Stop By Monie's" to the great Miles cover, "All Blues". This is a definate for all fans who have ever picked up a Parliment-Funkadelic album."
You're a freak if you think this disc is weak
Keith Skronek | Novi, MI United States | 12/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have not listened to any of the other Liquid Soul albums, but evaluating this album independently, I have to say it rocks. If the other albums are so awesome that they make this album seem weak, then I can't wait to listen to them. Honestly, I can't imagine how anyone who likes this genre of music can say this album is weak. It's truly fantastic."
Pretty Good Funk
Aaron Mehta | Wellesley, MA USA | 11/23/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Liquid Soul is a dominant band. They have all the right musicians, a skillfull rapper, and a pulse-pounding groove. Every CD shows them changing their style (Louder guitar riffs on their first CD, more of a lighter jazz sound with thier second) and this is no difference. They rely on bass driven smooth jazz tracks here, along with some louder songs like Spam Sucker that shows the latin-inspirations in the band.However, many of the songs apear repetative on the CD. its clear they have found a forumla that works and works well, but it is still just that- a formula. The differnt sounds are gone and while most of the tracks (Especaily Rocket Scientist, Stop by Monies, Show Me, and Sex Tablet) are very good, there are some (I.E. Everybody's Got one) which simply dont hold up to Liquid Soul Standards. However this is still an important CD to have in any retro-funk, jazz, groove and party lover's collection."
I believe the correct word is FUNK!
SammY | EGYPT | 07/05/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The worlds of bop, hip-hop, rock and funk have crossed and at that intersection is Liquid Soul. One of the joys of this album is its eclectic nature, it's hard to understand or prepare for what's coming next. Which means that while this album may not be for everyone it's worth a listen or two. Now while the music is clearly tailored to be a live entity Here's The Deal captures the fires and passions often brewing on stage. Liquid Soul have collected and recorded loud funky party grooves with a totally positive energetic atmosphere. Clearly more comfortable with their craft and sound work numerous samples are overlaid creating a rich but evocative sound. The rabid enthusiasm clearly projected by the jamming musicians is infectious. Alone or at a club you feet will move."
Everybody's Got One
Bryan E. Cummings | Shoreline, WA USA | 09/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A unique taste in music, that is, let's at least agree on that. How anyone can call this the weakest of the Liquid Sould discography is beyond me. It doesn't really matter. If you like your horn-driven soul with more jazz than rap, more hooks than mindless honking, this is it. The fourth cut "Everybody's Got One," is worth the price of admission alone."