Description
In Latin, 'Gemini' means 'two together' or 'twins'. Astrologically, Geminis are known for their curiosity and versatility. The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, a 9 - piece (mostly) instrumental group from San Diego, has always seamlessly blended Jazz and Funk, forming the core of their sound. On their new 11 - song album for Colemine Records, they expand on this foundation, showing their stylistic curiosity and versatility. Recorded from late 2021 to early 2024 at The Kitchen II in Lemon Grove, California, SFSE takes their 'introspective party music' to new sonic heights. Their breakbeat - heavy funk - soul - jazz remains the base, as heard in tracks like 'Makin’ Moves', 'The Grifter', and 'Don’t Trip'. They now draw inspiration from library music labels like KPM Music, spiritual jazz labels like Tribe & Black Jazz Records, and exotica - adjacent jazz artists like Cal Tjader and Dorothy Ashby. Tracks like 'Mother Earth', 'Freddie', and the title track lean more into the 'introspective' side, evoking the spirits of greats like Freddie Hubbard and Cannonball Adderley. 'Corporatocracy' features an extended tabla solo before transitioning into a funk - driven, modal vibe. With their current lineup, SFSE stays funky while exploring new musical territory. Tracklisting: 1. Makin’ Moves; 2. Las Olas; 3. The Grifter; 4. Mother Earth; 5. Freddie; 6. Don’t Trip; 7. The Alliance; 8. The Lemon Groove; 9. Gemini; 10. Contemplation; 11. Corporatocracy.
Using the vinyl LP is easy. Just place it on a record player, carefully drop the needle on the starting groove, and enjoy the music. When handling the vinyl, make sure your hands are clean to avoid getting fingerprints on the record, which can affect the sound quality. Store the LP in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep it in its protective sleeve when not in use to prevent scratches. If you notice any dust on the record, use a soft, anti - static brush to gently clean it before playing.
