“When the funk is flowing through you, the rhythm’s gonna shake you from within,” sings Rafael Keilt-Freyre on the title track of Portland band Sly Chi’s new album, Wave Sound. That line could have been just another empty song lyric, but for Sly Chi, it is a promise that they strive to keep. Throughout the CD, the band offers songs so danceable and catchy that even middle-aged white men could find the beat.
The songs on Wave Sound stay in the area of funk/soul/jazz/R&B, and fortunately, that’s something Sly Chi does well. The jazzy horn lines and soulful lyrics demonstrate the skill of the band members, all of whom have extensive backgrounds in music (some here at USM). In addition to this all-original album, Sly Chi has many cover songs in their repertoire, and these influences can be heard in their music. The speedy horn riffs would fit right in with Kool and the Gang, and the funky syncopated bass is straight out of Tower of Power.
Sly Chi is big for a rock band, with nine members playing multiple instruments and parts. But instead of creating a muddled mess, Wave Sound allows each of the members to shine throughout the album. Every track contains an instrumental solo by at least one of the members. The final song, “Emotions,” is a pure dance powerhouse with a whopping five solos. The players all get equal time, and nobody seems to be favored.
Wave Sound, like any album, sounds better in some spots than others. Sly Chi is particularly good on “Step On Up,” which has an up-tempo jazz edge, and “Lost in Time,” with its jumping horn line and bluesy guitar. By contrast the slower, more voice-centered “It’s Everything” and “Hold On” cause the album to lose some of its momentum. In fact, most of the vocals seem out of place on an album that’s centered around instrumental grooves and solos.
This album makes it easy to see why Sly Chi is becoming one of the premiere dance bands in the Portland area and beyond. With catchy riffs, funky grooves and danceable beats, it’s hard to listen to this album without tapping your foot, at the very least. At the most, you’ll bust into a breakdance, and probably scare anybody watching.
Editor’s note: Sly Chi will be having a CD release party this Friday March 19 at the Big Easy Blues Club at 55 Market St. in Portland. For information call 871-8817.
Jake Christie can be contacted at [email protected]