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Menahan Street Band: The Crossing


The music of Menahan Street Band is as easy to listen to as it is hard to characterize. Featuring members of Sharon Jones’ and Amy Winehouse’s backing bands, this Brooklyn-based instrumental group combines elements of funk, soul and afrobeat.

The Menahan Street Band’s debut album, 2008’s Make the Road by Walking, played like the soundtrack to some kinder, gentler 1970s-era blaxploitation movie, and was liberally sampled by artists like Jay-Z and Kid Cudi. The new album, The Crossing, carries on the group’s tradition of penning charming, unhurried instrumental tracks. “Everyday is a Dream” has the swing of a Herb Alpert tune, while “Seven is the Wind” faintly recalls Ennio Morricone—or is it Ry Cooder? Maybe Curtis Mayfield?

Sure, The Crossing might as well be Side B of Make the Road by Walking, but why fault the group for not yet aggressively pushing the boundaries of the genre they invented? The Crossing is a seamless collection of truly original material from some of the best musicians in the industry. If Sharon Jones or Amy Winehouse is the soundtrack to your Saturday night, then consider ceding your Sunday morning to Menahan Street Band.

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