Ever since their first collaboration on the ‘Mocambo Funk Forty Fives’ compilation, things have been gaining momentum for Gizelle Smith - the ‘Golden Girl of Funk’ - and the highly respected Hamburg-based band The Mighty Mocambos. Expect your hips to take on a life of their own with the release of Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos self titled debut album of bonafide sister-funk.
In today’s climate of digital recording, Pro Tools editing and auto-tune, Gizelle Smith and The Mighty Mocambos are the epitome of old school funk, not just in their music style but at the heart of how their recording process. Choosing to steer clear of modern techniques, they recorded through simple dynamic microphones and reel-to-reel tape machines, giving their album an authentic funk sound straight from the 60’s.
Known far and wide for their killer live show, the band wanted to capture the full sound of their show when it came to laying down their tracks in the studio. So, drawing from their wide circle of friends and peers, the band expanded to include a massive 15 musicians across drums, bass, guitar, piano, organ, clavinet, percussion, trumpet, baritone, tenor, saxophones, trombones, trumpets, with 5 backing vocalists and if course Gizelle Smith out front. To add some extra elements for the album recording, they also called on another 3 artists to contribute Flute, Percussion and Theremin.
Kicking off the album in fine form is the first single ‘Working Woman’. Grabbing you from behind and dragging you swiftly to the dance floor, it encapsulates all that sister-funk is about; a strong confident woman, facing life head-on (but not forgetting the lipstick and high heels of course!). With one of a limited run of promos of the single finding its way into the hands of producer legend and Grammy nominee Kenny Dope (Masters at Work, Bucketheads), things really took off. Not only did he love the track and played it everywhere he could, but he decided to remix it and put it out on his own label Kay Dee Records. From there it became an overnight smash and a prime-time club favourite of funk & soul DJs right across Europe.
Rewinding us right back to the 60’s is the effervescent ‘Magic Time Machine’, co-written by Gizelle and Bjorn Wagner from the band. Layered with bass and percussion, it is trademark funk at its best. From the heavy and determined ‘Gonna Get You’ to vulnerable, gospel-tinged laments such as ‘Coffee High’, to the energetic roll of ‘The Time Is Right For Love’, the album is dynamic from start to finish.
Blazing horns, soulful guitars, driving drums and basslines combined with Gizelle’s gripping and powerful voice all weave together to create a long player that is varied and coherent at the same time. Deeply rooted in the music from the golden era of soul, Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos’ debut album is also, a modern masterpiece in its own right.
"Strong album – packs a serious punch" - Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show
"A breath of fresh air" - Keb Darge
"Original and highly invigorating" - bluesandsoul.com
"A memorable funk album for sure" - jazzandsoul.eu
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