RANDY MULLER BOOM CHANG BANG: Groovin' U

Randy Muller Boom Chang Bang

Groovin' U

© 2007 Plaza Records inc. (809035600120)

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Multi-gold and platinum producer/writer/artist Randy Muller adds his Midas touch to this groove-packed mix of nu-jazz and soul.

notes

Randy Muller's Boom Chang Bang
There are few pleasures greater than hearing that your favorite sonic pilot has returned to burn. Your thoughts soar back to good times in humid clubs. And, as your mind rewinds the music man's blazing singles of yesteryear, you easily remember when those songs were the soundtrack to your life.

On Groovin' U (Plaza), the solo debut by multi-gold and platinum songwriter/arranger/producer Randy Muller – responsible for sweaty hits by Skyy (“Call Me,” “High”), B.T. Express (“Do It Till You're Satisfied,” “Express”), Cameron (“Boogie's Gonna Get Ya”), Charles Earland (“Let The Music Play”), Garnett Mimms (“What It Is”), and his own jam band Brass Construction (“Movin',” “Changin',” “Walkin' The Line”), among others – he turns his attention to – no, don't stop reading – smooth jazz. In the process he reinforces and extends his reputation as a groove master.

“In all of my work I insist on a certain rhythmic factor,” Muller explains. “This project is no exception.” Beyond dull and cheesy, the CD also contributes textural depth to the genre that sustains countless stations. Adds Muller: “I've noticed a gaping hole in the smooth jazz radio format. As someone who enjoys the style instrumentally, it seemed to be dominated by sax, guitar and trumpet. When I do hear flute, it's usually lofty, genteel and with a deficit of soul. I long to hear a Herbie Mann or Hubert Laws doing their thing, and this album presents the flute in a more street-savvy context.”

A classically-trained musician, Muller attacks his instrument with the ferocity of a natural improviser. The mood throughout is passionate and intense. “I recorded most of the flute performances at home, some time after midnight – when I am typically at my creative best,” notes Muller. Overall, a soulful, romantic quality is conveyed.

Groovin' U has been in the embryonic stage for years. “The vocabulary of the flute has always been the perfect companion to my musical voice,” says Muller. “Somehow I can say things with it I would otherwise have a difficult time expressing. Boom Chang Bang, the group of musicians I’ve been able to bring together, and this CD, is something I've been threatening for some time now.”

In fact, Muller wrote the Brazilian romp “BALA” when he was a college undergrad. The breezy bossa nova bouncer was his final class project for a jazz workshop led by Modern Jazz Quartet's Milt Hinton. “I recently stumbled onto a raw cassette copy of the original performance and decided to properly record it in the studio,” Muller says. The composition now exudes a richly-contoured warmth and sophistication.

The finger-poppin', put-your-hands-together aesthetic pioneered by the likes of Ramsey Lewis in the late '70s/early '80s pervades the collection's hooky title track. “I wanted to compose a song that brings to mind those rare and essential party grooves,” Muller explains. Once the main course on a soulful platter, they were slow-cooked in an open musical environment back in the day, when it wasn't unusual for a tune to run eight minutes or more.

Reaching further back for inspiration, “Standin' In Da Rain,” featuring deliciously cool singer Polina, evokes the smoky ambiance of an elegant 1920s cabaret. With its thick, rubbery back beat, strutting minor keys and sweetly strafing bridge (populated with vintage hisses, pops and haunting monotone vocals), this retro-neuvo number boldly ignores the conventional line separating “straight-ahead” and “experimental.”

Other standouts include the deliciously cascading “Magic,” co-written by producer Adrian Bailey (Kevin Little's Top 10 smash “Turn Me On”); “Westchester Nights,” which captures the carefree experience of a scenic drive along New York's winding Saw Mill River Parkway; and a crease-less remake of Skyy's “Call Me,” whose frisky bass line translates nicely within the new, warmer surroundings.

Another cover, the Rod Temperton-penned “Always and Forever,” benefits from impulsive inspiration. “I recorded this version at three in the morning, on a basic Shure microphone and eight-track tape machine,” Muller recalls. “Although I tried to re-do it in a more professional setting, this spontaneous performance always won the day.”

Before there was even a category for brand-new-heavy jazz, Randy Muller was making passionate music with a beat. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has produced or penned over 200 titles (many earning gold and platinum status) across the pop, R&B and jazz genres (see discography).

Three major influences Muller cites as shaping his musical sensibility came from similarly disparate directions. One was James Brown. Another was Philadelphia-International. A third came from calypso, which Muller, a Guyanese native, could scarcely avoid.

For him Hubert Laws set the standard for all contemporary flute players to follow. “No one can touch him,” Muller says. “The man is simply the best at making music from this piece of tubing I’m still striving to master.” Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Muller formed his first group at age eight, beginning his long and varied journey into sound.

Fast forward to 2007, and Muller remains an active musical participant. His records are in-rotation classics and sampled by Salt-n-Pepa, Dr. Dre, DMX, Lil Kim and others. And he's still carving new ground. “Over the years, I've been identified mostly with dance, soul and funk,” Muller says. “I believe that with Groovin U, anyone acquainted with my body of work will see a whole other side; this album moves me closer to a more actualized musical self.” Exhilarating and exciting indeed.

reviews

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  • Jass Contemporary
    author: Angel Evans

    Very nice, Randy this is Luis from Hegeman I live in Florida, I work as a Personal trainer to trhe starts. Hope to see you again, have lot to talk lots of conections for you. contac me at angell_evans@bellsouth.net

  • boom chang bang groovin u
    author: dean freeman

    fabulous album mr muller.....your flute playing is just awesome...its such a beautiful instrument to hear played and to be honest,we dont hear it very often. love the track "bala" a lot but love them all !!! peace and love mr muller....whens the next album out !!! regards from sunny espana dean freeman

  • Serious
    author: gene holloway

    I gave my review this title because because this disc is so good it's crazy,he jams,rocks,slams and rolls you,he knows how to chill you out with some really cool numbers, and you think,why isn't there more good music like this?it was worth every penny,it is one of the best jazz disc I have heard in awhile,a real pleasure.

  • Groovin' & Movin"
    author: V Cunningham

    Bravo and kudos to u...WELCOME BACK. Here's 2 U. Simply OUTSTANDING.

  • This CD Live Up toThe Hype
    author: Charles J. Talley

    This review is very simple....This is one OUTSTANDING CD. You can tell Randy played this music from the heart. You must put this in your collection. Charles J. Talley

  • Boom Chang Bang/ Groovin U
    author: Denise M. Richards

    This is the best album of the year, it's a keeper. I am so glad I bought it. WoW, I love all the songs on it and it's a groove to dance to. Randy is a genius,and I am so thankfull he created this CD it's the kind of music that the world needs right now, to takes us to that next level. "Bala" is a fantastic work of art. "After Midnight" is a groove that is so inviting it's hypnotic and evokes the senses, making me want to dance real close with my man each time I hear it. I'ts already our song. "Groovin' U is the bomb, Randy plays the flute like no one else can and does it with such style and technique it's awesome, I can't wait to see him perform live!. We playaed his entire CD at a party we had last week and everyone stayed on the dance floor. The DJ even had to play some of the tunes over again because people were asking him for requests from the CD. It's a smash hit!! We are very famaliar with Randy Mullers music, he has done some great works in the past and for so many artist band Brass Construction was the best back in the day, and BT Express so fantastic to name a few and it's great to see him on the scene in full force with such a pulsating sound.

  • SmoothJazz.com
    author: Sandy Shore

    Without a doubt, one of the best independent releases of 2007. Randy Muller Boom Chang Bang, featuring successful songwriter / arranger / producer / flutist Randy Muller, is the groovemaster’s first foray into Smooth Jazz and is filled with fun grooves and loads of panache. What else would you expect from the man in charge of the hot arrangements associated with B.T. Express? Randy’s collection of multi-gold and platinum records must fill walls… In addition to B.T. Express, Randy is responsible for hits by Skyy, Cameron, Charles Earland, Garnett Mimms as well as his own jam band, Brass Construction (he wrote "Movin'"). GROOVIN’ U is an invitation to feel good. Songs like “Magic” and “Call Me” jump out of the frame and command attention… Loungers will love the title track and the super groovy “Luvanova.” The delicious track “Standin’ In Da Rain,” features vocalist Polina who provides a smokey ambience like that of an elegant 1920’s jazz cabaret. GROOVIN’ U is a stylish work of art and offers a sound that is, in my opinion, long overdo for Smooth Jazz… “I've noticed a gaping hole in the Smooth Jazz radio format,” explains Muller. “As someone who enjoys the style instrumentally, it seemed to be dominated by sax, guitar and trumpet. When I do hear flute, it's usually lofty, genteel and with a deficit of soul. I long to hear a Herbie Mann or Hubert Laws doing their thing, and this album presents the flute in a more street-savvy context.” Welcome to our world, Randy. Hope to have you groovin’ us smoothly for a very long time.

  • LOVIN IT!!
    author: MONIQUE NEAL

    This album is totally funky! I really enjoyed all of it. I look foward to telling my friends. Keep up the good work. Peace

  • Boom Chang Boom simply amazing
    author: Rachelle Gardner

    There use to be a time that music imitated life and real music made people feel good, relaxed, motivated or help start a revolution. Boom Chang Boom is so soothing, laid back and cool. Boom. . . makes me think about the power of music. Only the one's who are blind in mind would not get this piece of work.

  • The Master Returns
    author: Chris Lockyer

    A step on from the Brass Construction, Skyy, Cameron days. Randy still has it. Superb CD.

  • Awesome my brother
    author: Alma Smalls

    Randy, this CD is excellent. Congratulations. Very excited about this CD. Outstanding work. This album is awesome. I vote this # 1 Jazz CD of the year. Very smooth, groovy and relazing. Can't wait to share it with my family and friends.

  • Jazz Album of the Year
    author: Mark Swinton

    Randy this album is very groovie and smooth. The style is one of kind, it really takes me away, very inspiring and captive. WOWWWW!!!

  • Groovin' U
    author: Camille Allen

    Randy...Great work!!!!!!!! I am really enjoying the Album...You are a great Artist....

  • Great Work My Friend
    author: Bill McGee

    Randy, you have a great album dude.. Smooth and exciting..great work...

  • Groovin' U
    author: Bill McBirnie

    Consistently funky stuff, Randy! If I ever do a "smooth jazz" album myself, I'd really like to get some lead sheets for your stuff!!! Sincerely, Bill McBirnie

  • JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2007
    author: Phil Green

    What a fantastic album. I remember Randy from years ago and was fortunate to see his band, Brass Construction in the UK. This album is totally different from the style of that band. The flute is not my favourite instrument but Randy's music is so unique & different I can't think of another instument that would suit the music so well. This is not smooth jazz, largely speaking it's party music. I love how the majority of tracks are instrumental with just a hint of vocals, maybe just a couple of repeated lines. This CD has not been off the player since I bought it and is my album of the year. Thanks Randy for sharing your gift and producing something fresh & modern but not alienating the older generation. Hugely recommended

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