The Cold Busted label returns to the far east for Inner Funk, their second album from the Tokyo-based Blue In Green. A guitarist and composer since early childhood, Blue In Green specializes in a downtempo, beat-filled collusion of bossa nova, jazz, and hip hop styles all accented by his masterful guitar work. With his stated goal to make people feel better with his music, Blue In Green’s Inner Funk achieves exactly that. Highlights include “Hell Yeah,” which starts with a stutter before introducing uplifting piano keys on top of a hip-hop beat with the type of dirty synth work that’ll wrinkle noses and sway necks. “Big Band” follows suit with a snappier snare and a bass guitar. “When I Met You” and “Keep Steppin’” introduce playful xylophones and “Friday Night Funk” opens up with an organ and light strings. The much moodier “Haunting Refrain” features some quick pick work with Blue In Green moving up and down the scales …everything falls in just the right place to create some spellbinding, loungey funk.
DJ Moneyshot (Solid Steel Radio / NinjaTune) - “Swish beats, yo. That ‘Friday Night Funk’ got me ill’ing as I’m digging it on a Wednesday.”
Sunshine Jones (Dubtribe) - “This awakens that lust for sample loops in my heart. I’m dancing around the studio loving this one!”
Dubble D (20/20 Vision) - “It’s hard to cross jazz and hip hop without it becoming ‘muzak’ … Blue In Green are one of the very few who manage to do it with all the right sensibilities. I love it.”
All Good Funk Alliance - “There are some gems here.”
Shantisan (Salted Soul) - “A very creative mixture of downtempo beats with jazzy vibes and boogie synths!”
Danny Massure (Spring Strut) - “Chillout and acid jazz come together perfectly on this one.”
Hippie Torrales - “Excellent moods and grooves.”
Quincy Jointz - “Nice, freaky downtempo stuff.”
Black Mighty Wax (Irma Records) - “A pleasure for the ears …a timeless sound without frontiers.”
Stereo 77 (Research Deluxe) - “Funky beats, jazz, and a touch of new jack swing … I love this release.”
Mojo Rising (Cold Busted) - “Deep in the pocket with serious grooves … yes, please!”
Irregular Disco Workers - “‘Friday Night Funk’ is amazing!”
DJ Tomas (ForwardEver / Umoja HiFi) - “Some good tracks here, and the melodies and solos are strong throughout. Well done album.”
Black Alley (In Control Radio Show) - “I like the Roy Ayers-ish vibe on ‘Keep Steppin’’ very much … a nice relaxed vibe overall.”
Bootsy (For The Love Radio Show) - “Really cool selection here. Tight production, wonderful synths, and lightening licks.”
DJ Nova (Rodon FM, Greece) - “Inner Funk is ready to be selected by me as one of the year’s best albums.”
Available now from Beatport and The Cold Busted Shop. Also available on limited edition 12” vinyl.