Keb's Bucket / Redback reviews

Cookin On 3 Burners pay tribute to Mr Darge with the funky "Keb's Bucket" -- good thing, too, as Keb certainly helped these guys get some good exposure in the northern half of the world! The track is as tight and funky as the group's classic "Gravel Rash" -- all awash in heavy Hammond, tight guitars, and some snapping bottom-heavy funk that has a clear Meters inspiration! "Redback" continues the Meters groove -- slowing things down and really getting heavily -- bad-stepping its way across the wax like some mighty lost funk single!

Dusty Groove (USA)

Following their hugely popular (and increasingly rare!) singles on Bamboo Shack, alongside the re-issue of "Gravel Rash" on Freestyle last year, Melbournes funkiest trio step up once again with another straight up groover. Comprising of members of Tru-Thoughts signing The Bamboos, the Cookin' On 3 Burners sound is a rawer, more stripped back style reminiscent of the late Jimmy Smith, Richard "Groove" Holmes and Jimmy McGriff at their fiercest. "Keb's Bucket" is an ode to a certain deep funk DJ's overflowing receptacle of...well - who knows what? Whatever he keeps in there it's creating a lot of steam as this track slashes the dancefloor with its strutting bass and hammond interplay spilling over the tight drums. Over on the flip "Redback" provides more of the same but with a more laid back Grant Green sort of vibe. More essential funk for your trunk from Freestyle

Chris Gill, Northside Records (AUS)