Brownout – Berlin Sessions (Lechehouse Music/Fat Beats, 2020)
Brownout, the fabulous funk masters from Austin, are back with a superb album titled Berlin Sessions. The album’s title refers to Steve Berlin, a member of famed Los Angeles band Los lobos, who recorded the album in his studio. It is masterfully produced and recorded, a true delight to audiophile ears.
On Berlin Sessions, Brownout branch out into various musical. There is still a solid foundation of Latin funk, but there is also captivating, dreamy psychedelia; seductive Afrobeat-leaning grooves; fiery jam rock; and a delightful instrumental titled “After November” that conjures an image of southern Texas progressive rock.
The majority of the album has English-languages lyric, although the band includes one deeply satisfying Spanish-language song titled “Nain.” Berlin Sessions features the band’s new lead vocalist Alex Marrero, whom collaborated with Brownout in their successful Black Sabbath tributes: Brownout presents Brown Sabbath (2014) and Brownout presents Brown Sabbath Vol. 2 (2016).
The lineup includes John Speice IV on drums and percussion; Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes on congas, bongos and percussion; Greg González on bass, backing vocals and keyboards; Beto Martínez on guitars; Adrián Quesada on guitars and backing vocals; Alex Marrero on lead vocals, guitars and percussion; Gilbert Elorreaga on trumpet and flugelhorn; Mark “Speedy” Gonzáles on trombone; Josh Levy on baritone saxophone; and Peter Stopschinski on keyboards.
Guests: Anthony Farrell lead vocals and organ; The Soul Supporters (Lauren Cervantes and Angela Randle Miller ) on backing vocals; Sheree Smith on backing vocals; Gene Centeno on tenor and alto saxophone; and Jenavieve Vega on violin.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.