|
contents | blues | |||||||||||||
| Unified Tribe's New CD FUNKtional Family, the third release from Unified Tribe is making noise in both radio and retail. The first single "Back and Forth, " broke onto the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts at number 77; and entered the SoundScan US top selling singles charts at number 17. On the heels of the single, FUNKtional Family has followed with a break onto Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart, and is now at iTunes. More than 350 retail outlets have picked up the single, "Back and Forth" and the album FUNKtional Family, with coverage growing weekly. Retail support includes in-store play, listening booths, and prominent placement. "Every member of this group is talented to the point of perfection. The vocals & instruments were so tight and yet smooth, my attention was captured throughout the CD, " states Selekto Steve of Select-O-Hits Distribution. With an early UK release, FUNKtional Family has already made a stir abroad. The album is receiving airplay on BBC Radio1 and that station's Trevor Nelson says it all with, "This album is mental!" The Album has hit number one on the three largest independent charts in the UK - the Blues & Soul Hiplist, Street Soul Chart, and Solar Radio Sweet Rhythms Chart - the only record of 2006, of any genre, to top all three charts. Blues & Soul Magazine says it is "arguably the hottest soul/R&B album around, with heavy airplay from the UK's leading soul DJs. A must for lovers of the soulful groove." Additionally, FUNKtional Family has outsold all other import soul releases of the season. FUNKtional Family is Unified Tribe's most soulful album to date. From smooth mid tempos that deal with the trials of relationships, to upbeat mood transforming cuts like "Happy Go Lucky"; the album takes you on a rich emotional journey. Putting the funk in "FUNKtional" is what Unified Tribe does best. Heavy hitting bass and brass driven tracks like "That Beat" and "Get the Funk" clearly pay tribute to the Tribe's funk ancestry. With its current momentum, FUNKtional Family is sure to be Unified Tribe's biggest release yet, as it helps to usher in the return of real music to radio and mainstream venues…the new old school. Unified Tribe is an Austin-based band with New York and L.A. roots. With 12 principal members, the band is a throwback, in both size and sound, to the days of Earth, Wind & Fire and Sly & The Family Stone. The Tribe is anything but industry-formulated, and It's their true musicality that first hooks fans. With a core that's been together for over twenty years, their strong relationships form the perfect foundation for the potent sound in their music. Newcomers and industry veterans show an appreciation for what they have to offer. "Unified Tribe is the badest band on the planet. If history repeats itself, then Unified Tribe is the next Earth, Wind and Fire, " states R&B group, The Whispers. Howard Hewitt, formerly with Shalamar, adds to that sentiment. "I went to their studio and left with my mouth wide open...These cats are bad!" Their production company, Magic Muzik Productions, Inc., comprised entirely of band members, has produced and worked with such R&B and jazz veterans as Earth, Wind & Fire, The Whispers, The Manhattans, Phil Perry, The Rippingtons, George Duke, and Nia Peeples. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |