Diplomats of Solid Sound

There is such a torrent of new Funk around at the moment – all recorded
authentically, and all that – but even as someone who has been a long-time
champion of it, I have to admit that a lot of it is average. This album is
not. It is very exceptional. As it is produced by Lack Of Afro, you would
expect it to be too.

Although released on the fantastic and consistent Italian label ‘Record
Kicks’, this band, I believe, are from Iowa in the US. Apparently it’s all
been recorded live in the studio, as it should be, and they are very tight
indeed. They seem to be a little bit undecided where they’re going as there
isn’t a distinct direction as far as I can see, but that’s fine, they’ve got
to find their feet as a new band. Actually, I like the diversity. There are
a couple of tracks that don’t quite hit the mark but there are plenty of
hard-hitting Funk tracks here and even a killer early-60’s R&B Popcorn tune
called ‘Trouble Me’- which is in the James Hunter territory, so that can’t
be bad! I’m looking forward to hearing more.

Snowboy
- Blues And Soul Magazine

There is such a torrent of new Funk around at the moment – all recorded
authentically, and all that – but even as someone who has been a long-time
champion of it, I have to admit that a lot of it is average. This album is
not. It is very exceptional. As it is produced by Lack Of Afro, you would
expect it to be too.

Although released on the fantastic and consistent Italian label ‘Record
Kicks’, this band, I believe, are from Iowa in the US. Apparently it’s all
been recorded live in the studio, as it should be, and they are very tight
indeed. They seem to be a little bit undecided where they’re going as there
isn’t a distinct direction as far as I can see, but that’s fine, they’ve got
to find their feet as a new band. Actually, I like the diversity. There are
a couple of tracks that don’t quite hit the mark but there are plenty of
hard-hitting Funk tracks here and even a killer early-60’s R&B Popcorn tune
called ‘Trouble Me’- which is in the James Hunter territory, so that can’t
be bad! I’m looking forward to hearing more.

Snowboy
- Blues And Soul Magazine

THE DIPLOMATS OF SOLID SOUND
Featuring The Diplomettes - CD
All aboard for the funkiest soul train experience in town. The party groove sensations are back. This time out they have thrown out all the stops and have brought along some lovely ladies to boost the excitement level a few notches. There are still some instrumental ravers for those who only need a Hammond organ, tight rhythm section, chunka chunka guitar and some swinging sax to make their feet do the boogaloo. When Sarah Cram, Katherine Ruestow and Abbie Sawyer chime in, though, the band reaches the next plateau. This could be the album that breaks this group to a much broader audience. This is definitely radio friendly. The Diplomats have always shined in the studio and this new expanded version of the band showcases their recording prowess like never before. According to the liners, the music was all done live in the studio. That's some hot playing! (Pravda Records - www.pravdamusic.com) - Garage and Beat.com

THE DIPLOMATS OF SOLID SOUND
Featuring The Diplomettes - CD
All aboard for the funkiest soul train experience in town. The party groove sensations are back. This time out they have thrown out all the stops and have brought along some lovely ladies to boost the excitement level a few notches. There are still some instrumental ravers for those who only need a Hammond organ, tight rhythm section, chunka chunka guitar and some swinging sax to make their feet do the boogaloo. When Sarah Cram, Katherine Ruestow and Abbie Sawyer chime in, though, the band reaches the next plateau. This could be the album that breaks this group to a much broader audience. This is definitely radio friendly. The Diplomats have always shined in the studio and this new expanded version of the band showcases their recording prowess like never before. According to the liners, the music was all done live in the studio. That's some hot playing! (Pravda Records - www.pravdamusic.com) - Garage and Beat.com

2008 BEST NEW ALBUM RELEASES:
(Classic Soul, Jazz, Southern Soul & Blues, Funk, Neo Soul, Rap & Rock n' Roll)

2008 was an amazing year for Black music, or as Buffalo Springfield might say; "there's something happening here." And what's happening here is a VERY good thing in my opinion. Perhaps it is the impact of Amy Winehouse winning 5 Grammy Awards last year, employing what some critics might refer to as the "dated musical style of 1960's R&B" and forcing "neo soul" to grow up? Or perhaps due to the demise of the "smooth jazz" radio format, these artists are returning to their "funkier" roots and abandoning the "elevator music" that defines that style? Or perhaps as a result of the overall mood of the country, facing a multiple series of seeming insurmountable national/international crisis, looking backwards in order to achieve comfort? Or maybe we just have more artists who are simply tired of farting around, trying to create a "new sound", have come to the stunning realization that there isn't anything wrong with the "old sound?"

In addition to these rankings, you can also read my summarized reviews for each album at my blog on RadioIO.com at the following link:

http://www.radioio.com/genres/hiphop-soul/bob-davis-2008-top-album-picks-in-black-music

Of the 20 new album releases on this list (IN RANK ORDER), 18 of them could be described as being "retro" or even "dated" by some people. As you can see from the list, this trend crosses all Black music styles from Jazz, to Blues, to Rap, to Rock n' Roll, to Soul, to Funk and even Doo Wop, as well as demographic sectors, such as age & race. In addition to the rankings, clicking on the links below will enable you to listen to sound bytes from the associated album.

And if you think that this is all just the conjecture of a "nostalgic old fart sitting behind a computer in New Jersey", you would be quite wrong in that assessment. The songs from these albums are getting major airplay on internet/satellite radio channels and have even crossed over to terrestrial radio.

So it's really more than even a "trend", dare I say, it has evolved past that point and become a "movement."

BEST ALBUM RELEASES OF 2008
1. Global Noize - "Global Noize"
11. Gerald Alston - "Sings Sam Cooke (Featuring Gerald Albright)"
2. Cadillac Records Soundtrack (Various Artists)
12. Renaissance - "Meet Me On The Corner"
3. James Hunter - "The Hard Way"
13. Teeny Tucker - "Two Big M's"
4. Chante Moore - "Love the Woman" 14. Linda Jones - "Soul Talkin"
5. Angel - "Nu Soul Stew"
15. Nadir - "Workin For The Man"
6. Taj Mahal - "Maestro"
16. Stan Mosley - "Man Up"
7. Chuck D & the Banned (Featuring Kyle Jason) - "Tribb To JB"
17. Bob Baldwin - "NewUrbanJazz.com"
8. Nikka Costa - Pebble To a Pearl
18. Conya Doss - "Still"
9. Maysa - "Metamorphosis"
19. Rose Stone - "Already Motivated"
10. SMV - Thunder
20. Diplomats Of Solid Sound featuring The Diplomettes


- www.soulpatrol.com

2008 BEST NEW ALBUM RELEASES:
(Classic Soul, Jazz, Southern Soul & Blues, Funk, Neo Soul, Rap & Rock n' Roll)

2008 was an amazing year for Black music, or as Buffalo Springfield might say; "there's something happening here." And what's happening here is a VERY good thing in my opinion. Perhaps it is the impact of Amy Winehouse winning 5 Grammy Awards last year, employing what some critics might refer to as the "dated musical style of 1960's R&B" and forcing "neo soul" to grow up? Or perhaps due to the demise of the "smooth jazz" radio format, these artists are returning to their "funkier" roots and abandoning the "elevator music" that defines that style? Or perhaps as a result of the overall mood of the country, facing a multiple series of seeming insurmountable national/international crisis, looking backwards in order to achieve comfort? Or maybe we just have more artists who are simply tired of farting around, trying to create a "new sound", have come to the stunning realization that there isn't anything wrong with the "old sound?"

In addition to these rankings, you can also read my summarized reviews for each album at my blog on RadioIO.com at the following link:

http://www.radioio.com/genres/hiphop-soul/bob-davis-2008-top-album-picks-in-black-music

Of the 20 new album releases on this list (IN RANK ORDER), 18 of them could be described as being "retro" or even "dated" by some people. As you can see from the list, this trend crosses all Black music styles from Jazz, to Blues, to Rap, to Rock n' Roll, to Soul, to Funk and even Doo Wop, as well as demographic sectors, such as age & race. In addition to the rankings, clicking on the links below will enable you to listen to sound bytes from the associated album.

And if you think that this is all just the conjecture of a "nostalgic old fart sitting behind a computer in New Jersey", you would be quite wrong in that assessment. The songs from these albums are getting major airplay on internet/satellite radio channels and have even crossed over to terrestrial radio.

So it's really more than even a "trend", dare I say, it has evolved past that point and become a "movement."

BEST ALBUM RELEASES OF 2008
1. Global Noize - "Global Noize"
11. Gerald Alston - "Sings Sam Cooke (Featuring Gerald Albright)"
2. Cadillac Records Soundtrack (Various Artists)
12. Renaissance - "Meet Me On The Corner"
3. James Hunter - "The Hard Way"
13. Teeny Tucker - "Two Big M's"
4. Chante Moore - "Love the Woman" 14. Linda Jones - "Soul Talkin"
5. Angel - "Nu Soul Stew"
15. Nadir - "Workin For The Man"
6. Taj Mahal - "Maestro"
16. Stan Mosley - "Man Up"
7. Chuck D & the Banned (Featuring Kyle Jason) - "Tribb To JB"
17. Bob Baldwin - "NewUrbanJazz.com"
8. Nikka Costa - Pebble To a Pearl
18. Conya Doss - "Still"
9. Maysa - "Metamorphosis"
19. Rose Stone - "Already Motivated"
10. SMV - Thunder
20. Diplomats Of Solid Sound featuring The Diplomettes


- www.soulpatrol.com

BEST SONGS OF 2008
(Classic Soul, Jazz, Southern Soul & Blues, Funk, Neo Soul, Rap & Rock n' Roll)

Click Here to get more info about 2008's Best Black Music Albums & TracksI know that some of you out there are looking at this list and thinking; "that's all well and good, but many people don't really buy or listen to albums anymore, some people don't even own CD players anymore, they buy/listen to individual songs." Well that may or may not be true, however it's an idea that's well worth exploring. With that notion in mind here is a playlist for your consideration (BY BLACK MUSIC STYLE). This list also includes a few reissues. Click on the song titles and download these songs. Or if the economy's got you down and your broke, slide on over to Nu Soul @ RadioIO.com, where you can listen to most of these songs in the mix:

FUNK

1. Chuck D & the Banned (Featuring Kyle Jason) - "Funky President"
2. K.J. Denhert - "What's My Name III"
3. Lockboxx - "Rollerglow"
4. Diplomats of Solid Sound - Come in My Kitchen
5. Public Enemy - "(I) Woke Up In A Place I Forgot"
6. Plunky B - "Syncrofunkanicity"
7. Rebel Diaz - "Which Side Are You On"
8. Diplomats of Solid Sound - "Hurt Me So"
9. K.R.U.N.K. Movement - Quarters Dimes Nicks Ect-Drugs
10. Marcus Miller - "What Is Hip"
11. Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten - "Thunder"
12. Tony Cook's Trunk of Funk - "Superstar"
13. George Duke - "Dukey Treats"
14. Wayne Brady - "Back in the Day"
15. Mike Calhoun and the Holy Ghost Band - "God's Got My Back"
16. Bootsy Collins - "She Deep N Juicy"
17. Bass Mint Bros - "Valley Park Groove"
18. Clones of Funk - "The Funky Ones"
19. Digg Deep - "Fallen Idol"
20. Fatback Band - "Sumertime Funk" - www.soulpatrol.com

BEST SONGS OF 2008
(Classic Soul, Jazz, Southern Soul & Blues, Funk, Neo Soul, Rap & Rock n' Roll)

Click Here to get more info about 2008's Best Black Music Albums & TracksI know that some of you out there are looking at this list and thinking; "that's all well and good, but many people don't really buy or listen to albums anymore, some people don't even own CD players anymore, they buy/listen to individual songs." Well that may or may not be true, however it's an idea that's well worth exploring. With that notion in mind here is a playlist for your consideration (BY BLACK MUSIC STYLE). This list also includes a few reissues. Click on the song titles and download these songs. Or if the economy's got you down and your broke, slide on over to Nu Soul @ RadioIO.com, where you can listen to most of these songs in the mix:

FUNK

1. Chuck D & the Banned (Featuring Kyle Jason) - "Funky President"
2. K.J. Denhert - "What's My Name III"
3. Lockboxx - "Rollerglow"
4. Diplomats of Solid Sound - Come in My Kitchen
5. Public Enemy - "(I) Woke Up In A Place I Forgot"
6. Plunky B - "Syncrofunkanicity"
7. Rebel Diaz - "Which Side Are You On"
8. Diplomats of Solid Sound - "Hurt Me So"
9. K.R.U.N.K. Movement - Quarters Dimes Nicks Ect-Drugs
10. Marcus Miller - "What Is Hip"
11. Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten - "Thunder"
12. Tony Cook's Trunk of Funk - "Superstar"
13. George Duke - "Dukey Treats"
14. Wayne Brady - "Back in the Day"
15. Mike Calhoun and the Holy Ghost Band - "God's Got My Back"
16. Bootsy Collins - "She Deep N Juicy"
17. Bass Mint Bros - "Valley Park Groove"
18. Clones of Funk - "The Funky Ones"
19. Digg Deep - "Fallen Idol"
20. Fatback Band - "Sumertime Funk" - www.soulpatrol.com

DIPLOMATS OF SOLID SOUND This Iowa City band is a living temple to classic soul, R & B, and organ jazz—probably about half of Dusty Groove's inventory, actually. With their carefully honed instrumental chops and pitch-perfect feel for the music, the Diplomats are always welcome at a party, but they've long sounded like a backing band in search of a front person. Lately they seem to have figured that out themselves: in 2006 they played behind Andre Williams on the fantastic Aphrodisiac, and for a year or so they've been joined at their own gigs by a trio of female vocalists. The Diplomettes, as they're called, will be the focus of the band's next album; it was due this fall on Italy's Record Kicks label but it's now in limbo. Three Blue Teardrops headline and Big Whiskey opens. Arrow 9 PM, the Note, 1565 N. Milwaukee, 773-489-0011 or 866-468-3401, $8, $6 in advance. —Monica Kendrick - Chicago Reader

DIPLOMATS OF SOLID SOUND This Iowa City band is a living temple to classic soul, R & B, and organ jazz—probably about half of Dusty Groove's inventory, actually. With their carefully honed instrumental chops and pitch-perfect feel for the music, the Diplomats are always welcome at a party, but they've long sounded like a backing band in search of a front person. Lately they seem to have figured that out themselves: in 2006 they played behind Andre Williams on the fantastic Aphrodisiac, and for a year or so they've been joined at their own gigs by a trio of female vocalists. The Diplomettes, as they're called, will be the focus of the band's next album; it was due this fall on Italy's Record Kicks label but it's now in limbo. Three Blue Teardrops headline and Big Whiskey opens. Arrow 9 PM, the Note, 1565 N. Milwaukee, 773-489-0011 or 866-468-3401, $8, $6 in advance. —Monica Kendrick - Chicago Reader

By Sean Moeller | Thursday, November 15, 2007

Buy this Photo!

Amy Winehouse. You’ve heard the name and the tabloid transcripts of her substance abuse — even if you haven’t heard the music.

The same goes for another UK songbird, Lily Allen. Ditto for New York City’s Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings.

What it all sounds like is something reminiscent of bygone eras. Jazzy grooves and reggae feelings for the two former English missuses and Motown-y R&B, straight from the days of James Brown doing marathon appearances at the Apollo with young legs and flexible knees. It’s nothing new, but it’s refreshing all the same.

These are newcomers to an olden sound that isn’t typically what high school-aged garage bands play to whet their palates.

The Diplomats of Solid Sound, while still busying themselves with the vintage sound of jazz and swing of the big band era that is the new hipster rage, can’t be classified as bandwagon jumpers.

The eight-piece Hammond organ-centered band from Iowa City has been living coolness for 10 years, before the sound became fashionable again. The band, led by organist Nate Basinger and guitarist Doug Roberson, longtime and legendary booker at Gabe’s Oasis (now The Picador), the band has been making records since it formed in 1998 as a side project of Roberson’s other group, The Bent Sceptors.

Not always eight-strong and all-male, the Diplomats added some sass to the band last August, when they recruited three ladies — Abbie Sawyer, Sarah Cram and Kathy Ruestow — to join the band, at first temporarily. The Diplomettes added vocals to the previously instrumental group and a new band was immediately presented.

“We played with them for the first time as a part of the Friday Night Concert series in the Ped Mall,” the 23-year-old Des Moines native and recent University of Iowa grad Sawyer said Tuesday. “After the overwhelming response we got from that show, they wanted us to join the band. They said, ‘Rehearsals are on Tuesdays.’ We’ve just kept showing up.”

Sawyer was working with Ruestow and Basinger at the Englert Theater in downtown Iowa City when Basinger was inquiring about potential female singers to provide a front line of explosiveness and combustion, not to mention a little attitude.

They bring the “My Boyfriend’s Back” harmonies and melody that the band never had before. Sawyer grew up singing in church and chamber choirs. Ruestow started on violin and majored in vocal performance at Iowa before experimenting with jazz and beyond. Cram has always written and recorded her own material as a solo artist and band member.

“I was planning on moving away,” Sawyer said. “Then this happened.“

The band recently spent some time in France and northern Italy, performing overseas for the first time as an eight-piece — garnering the same overwhelming response that it did back home on the pedestrian mall.

“There was already an established fan base over there in France and Italy because the instrumental group had been there before,” Sawyer said. “They’re craving this American soul sound. The guy who was our tour manager — we met through MySpace. The guys went over there in November on good faith — hoping he’d be there to pick them up at the airport. It went great.”

Sawyer feels that the addition of the vocals and the spunky antics have been a big addition to an already-great band.

“We give people something to sing along to. We’re trying to engage the audience. It’s just an energy shift,” she said. “Before, the guys could bring the music to a simmer and to a boil and bring the music down, but when you have a band with vocals ... it’s kind of the main event. But we wouldn’t be anything if it was just the three of us. They’re the best musicians that I’ve ever played with. They’re solid, just like the name says. It worked the way they were doing it, but I think they were all ready for a new phase. They’re not like robots. They don’t want to do the same thing every night. The most electrifying sounds come from bands with a vocalist.” - Quad City Times

By Sean Moeller | Thursday, November 15, 2007

Buy this Photo!

Amy Winehouse. You’ve heard the name and the tabloid transcripts of her substance abuse — even if you haven’t heard the music.

The same goes for another UK songbird, Lily Allen. Ditto for New York City’s Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings.

What it all sounds like is something reminiscent of bygone eras. Jazzy grooves and reggae feelings for the two former English missuses and Motown-y R&B, straight from the days of James Brown doing marathon appearances at the Apollo with young legs and flexible knees. It’s nothing new, but it’s refreshing all the same.

These are newcomers to an olden sound that isn’t typically what high school-aged garage bands play to whet their palates.

The Diplomats of Solid Sound, while still busying themselves with the vintage sound of jazz and swing of the big band era that is the new hipster rage, can’t be classified as bandwagon jumpers.

The eight-piece Hammond organ-centered band from Iowa City has been living coolness for 10 years, before the sound became fashionable again. The band, led by organist Nate Basinger and guitarist Doug Roberson, longtime and legendary booker at Gabe’s Oasis (now The Picador), the band has been making records since it formed in 1998 as a side project of Roberson’s other group, The Bent Sceptors.

Not always eight-strong and all-male, the Diplomats added some sass to the band last August, when they recruited three ladies — Abbie Sawyer, Sarah Cram and Kathy Ruestow — to join the band, at first temporarily. The Diplomettes added vocals to the previously instrumental group and a new band was immediately presented.

“We played with them for the first time as a part of the Friday Night Concert series in the Ped Mall,” the 23-year-old Des Moines native and recent University of Iowa grad Sawyer said Tuesday. “After the overwhelming response we got from that show, they wanted us to join the band. They said, ‘Rehearsals are on Tuesdays.’ We’ve just kept showing up.”

Sawyer was working with Ruestow and Basinger at the Englert Theater in downtown Iowa City when Basinger was inquiring about potential female singers to provide a front line of explosiveness and combustion, not to mention a little attitude.

They bring the “My Boyfriend’s Back” harmonies and melody that the band never had before. Sawyer grew up singing in church and chamber choirs. Ruestow started on violin and majored in vocal performance at Iowa before experimenting with jazz and beyond. Cram has always written and recorded her own material as a solo artist and band member.

“I was planning on moving away,” Sawyer said. “Then this happened.“

The band recently spent some time in France and northern Italy, performing overseas for the first time as an eight-piece — garnering the same overwhelming response that it did back home on the pedestrian mall.

“There was already an established fan base over there in France and Italy because the instrumental group had been there before,” Sawyer said. “They’re craving this American soul sound. The guy who was our tour manager — we met through MySpace. The guys went over there in November on good faith — hoping he’d be there to pick them up at the airport. It went great.”

Sawyer feels that the addition of the vocals and the spunky antics have been a big addition to an already-great band.

“We give people something to sing along to. We’re trying to engage the audience. It’s just an energy shift,” she said. “Before, the guys could bring the music to a simmer and to a boil and bring the music down, but when you have a band with vocals ... it’s kind of the main event. But we wouldn’t be anything if it was just the three of us. They’re the best musicians that I’ve ever played with. They’re solid, just like the name says. It worked the way they were doing it, but I think they were all ready for a new phase. They’re not like robots. They don’t want to do the same thing every night. The most electrifying sounds come from bands with a vocalist.” - Quad City Times