BBOY MUSIC_part2

For worldwide bookings please write to: booking[at]mrconfuse[dot]com

www.mrconfuse.com

‘Do You Realize’ is the question which Mr. Confuse asks on this album and it comes as a massive plea for the power of funk. ‘Do You Realize’ is about being true to the groove, carries strong lyrical statements while touching political matters as well as social issues in its clever and heartfelt lyrics but is first and foremost, of course, about being real.

On ‘Do You Realize’ Mr. Confuse picks up on the distinctive, organic and powerful sound he introduced on ‘Feel The Fire’ and takes it a step further. ‘Do You Realize’ tells a story from the beginning to the end: ‘We Gonna Bring The Funk To You’ with featured singer and main vocalist Dan Salem allows no second thoughts as a perfect opener and leads into ‘Catch Me’, the first single release. In a total of 13 tracks and with full-on party tunes like ‘Never Let The Rhythm Go’ and ‘Let’s Get The Feeling’ the album keeps a steady pace. The second single releases ‘Too Hot’ and the conscious and soulful ‘Why Can’t You See Me’ carries ‘Do You Realize’ to the perfect ending with the moving soul ballad ‘Cool Smooth Waters’ introducing the mighty soul voice of Mrs Elaine Thomas. 

It would not be a true Mr. Confuse album if it would not pay tribute to a musical pioneer. With his versions of ‘Boogie Down (Bronx)’ (with the voice of well know German Reggae artist Benjie) and ‘Man Made’ (featuring Dan Salem) Mr. Confuse pays tribute to Man Parrish as one of the innovators who translated Funk and Boogie into the HipHop-Era of early Electro and Freestyle. ‘Do You Realize’ comes as an apt title then.

Accompanying the album there will be a colourful bunch of remixes released in various formats. Well known British producers like Lack Of Afro (Freestyle Records), Newcastle's own Smoove (Jalapeno Records), up and coming producer Daytoner (Wass Records), among the excellent bossa breaks remix production of Dr Rubberfunk (Jalapeno Records) and an exciting remix on the jazzy tip by Tom Eno (Jack To Phono Records) are representing the UK remixer scene. The album also features contributions by Hungary's finest producer team The Uptown Felaz (Shiftin' Gears Records), Poland's Przaśnik (Funky Mamas And Papas Recordings) and Germany's block-rocking Ghetto Funk producers Funkanomics (Big M Productions) together with well known German Electro Funk expert Funkmaster Ozone (Da Source Records) and fresh new faces like Salem & Bastino - not to forget Afternoons In Stereo (Timewarp Music) from Toronto/Canada and a rare appearance of Dublex Inc (INFRACom!).

With ‘Do You Realize” Mr. Confuse is not only expanding his trademark sound but the album also introduces him as a musical director with an open ear for the bigger picture. With up to 23 international musicians he created incredible sounding big arrangements you would rather expect from the good times of big studios from the 60s and 70s. Here is a producer who not only reveals a deep understanding of the rhythms ranging from Afro to Soul and from classic R&B to HipHop, but who also has a vision of translating history into the future. ‘Do You Realize’? Indeed we do!

It also can be heard on the Goodgroove Regrooved Series IX and the breakdance compilation "Battle of the year - Soundtrack 2009". 

Never Let The Rhythm Go

Tru Thoughts Funk

Step It Up Feat. Alice Russell

Straight From The Heart

Somebody's On Your Case

Funk n' Beats, Vol. 6 (Curated by Smoove)

Can't Get You out of My Head (Smoove Remix)

Hot Damn!

The Traveller, Pt. 2

Band Of Gold

Unhooked Generation

Lost Soul

My Love Is so Strong for You

'This Is How You Do It' album out now on 2LP / CD / DIG


Bandleader Lance Ferguson and his nine piece Melbourne outfit The Bamboos have come a long way since forming in 2001. Initially inspired by the instrumental raw funk of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, they made waves internationally and were quickly labelled as one of the greatest funk and soul bands of our time. But while many would be happy to simply soak up the praise and keep on keeping on, The Bamboos have proven that they are more than meets the eye; over five acclaimed albums, their evolution in sound and style has consistently confounded and exceeded expectations, pulling the rug from under the feet of those who like to pigeonhole. 

The band signed to respected Brighton (UK) indie label Tru Thoughts in 2005, where they remain a cornerstone of the roster. Across their five studio albums to date - ‘Step It Up’ (2006), ‘Rawville’ (2007), ‘Side-Stepper’ (2008), ‘4’ (2010) and 'Medicine Man' (2012) – the metamorphosis of The Bamboos has been full of twists and turns, and it continues apace. A seasoned DJ, solo producer (aka Lanu) and all-round insatiable music obsessive, Ferguson's myriad influences and passion for pushing things forward ensure that each new release is a discovery for devout fans and newcomers alike.

Their fifth long-player ‘Medicine Man’, released in June 2012 was a watershed - a forward-looking record brimming with fresh ideas, stellar turns, classic songwriting and a brand of multi–layered pop they can truly call their own. Guest vocalists Aloe Blacc, Tim Rogers (You Am I), Megan Washington, Daniel Merriweather, Bobby Flynn, alongside resident singers Kylie Auldist and then newcomer Ella Thompson helped make the album their biggest at home to date. Lead single "I Got Burned" feat. Rogers was a sizeable radio hit, made it to #54 on radio station Triple J's Hottest 100 listeners poll (the biggest publicly voted song poll in the world) of the top songs of that year.

Like its predecessor, the band's sixth album 'Fever In The Road' was co-produced by ARIA- nominated, multi-instrumentalist studio wizard John Castle – whose work with the likes of Washington, Josh Pyke, Gossling, Pez and Kate Miller-Heidke has ranked him amongst the first-call producers in Australia. The new record (the first on Ferguson's own Pacific Theatre label) sees Castle and Ferguson venturing into sonic landscapes The Bamboos have previously touched on but never fully inhabited. There is a sense that the music is leaner and more muscular, yet upon closer inspection the tracks reveal themselves to be densely multi-layered in a 'Wall Of Sound' style. And it's this aural complexity and depth that allows darker moods to roam through the album, taking their sound to a new place. The songs career from the wondrously anthemic ('Avenger', The Truth', 'Rats', 'Jump My Train'), to the dreamy and psychedelic ('Looking West', 'Harbinger') and the darkly fragile ('Killing Jar', 'Before I Go'). Choosing this album to reflect the band as it is on stage, the vocals are split between Kylie Auldist and Ella Thompson. And each bring contrasting styles that complement each other magically, but show The Bamboos to be utterly unique.

Their songs have been regularly on playlists of national radio stations in Australia, the UK, France, the US, Japan and beyond. The unshakable charm of their songs has also seen them licensed to hit movies including Crazy Stupid Love, the soon to be released  Adore - Naomi Watts & Robin Wright. and TV shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, CSI New York, One Tree Hill, Ugly Betty and Australian shows such as Underbelly, House Husbands, Offspring, Packed To The Rafters.

Step It Up Feat. Alice Russell

The Bamboos

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