Sugar
Jones, Bring Your Own Insanity Washington Times, December 22, 2001 Sugar Jones, the brainchild of guitarist-vocalist Chad Thevenot, assembles a funk collective with a rotating cast of band members that has only recently been resurrected in the D.C. area. Playing funk rock in the style of Sly and the Family Stone, the band releases this second album seven years after issuing a self-produced debut. The highlight here is the dynamic bass playing of George Porter Jr., former bassist for New Orleans funk sensation the Meters. Mr. Porter's bass gives some of the more mediocre songs ("New Enemy" and "Rabbits Are Trouble") a much needed kick, with a skill level that surpasses that of other members of the group. Mr. Porter's bass mixed with the wah-wah guitar line and gospel-singer backing vocals on "You Must Be Heaven" is one of the most inspired moments on the album and shows that Mr. Thevenot and company have promise. Much of the material, though, sounds as if it is somewhat watered down for the studio and would shine more in a live setting. D.C.'s rich heritage of go-go and funk often makes it difficult for newcomers to stand out, but Sugar Jones shows promise of carving out a reputation here. -- Derek Simmonsen |
Press
Kit D.C.'s rich heritage of go-go and funk often makes it difficult for newcomers to stand out, but Sugar Jones shows promise of carving out a reputation here. |
