CYMANDE: "Second Time Round"

Original released on LP Janus JSL 3054

(US, 1973)

Cymande's second LP is captivating enough, but perhaps too political for the masses. Still, there've been few better fusions of reggae and jazz than "Second Time Round". The spirited "Anthracite" is driven by horns on the chorus, a scorching sax solo, and a titillating flute. Flautist Mike Rose continues to captivate on the oddly titled "Willie Headache," which is far too mellow to cause listeners to grab for the Tylenol. Everything is centered around Steve Scipo's bubbly bass notes, a good example being "Trevorgus," in which the beat falls between midtempo and uptempo and everything (the horns, the rhythm, the chanting vocals) complements each other as if linked by an invisible chain. The group scintillates on "Fug," a rapid-fire mover and shaker that speaks of people dying because of greed and deceit. Cymande let their dreads down on this one - emoting, getting real, and performing like there's no tomorrow. Gotta give Pablo Gonsales a bone for his constant, creative work on the congas throughout; drummer Sam Kelly stays in the background, happy with his understated role and keeping it tight. Vocalist Ray King breaks off his best lead on the tempo changing "Bird," and Joey Dee assists vocally while patting on his conga set; Peter Serreo, and Derek Gibbs sax play sparkles like champagne from beginning to end. (Andrew Hamilton in AllMusic)

CYMANDE Debut Album

Original released on LP Janus JLS 3044

(US, October 1972)

Well after hearing their awesome tune "The Message" on the Funk Box I was inspired to hear more. They aren't your typical funk band however, they are ecclectic involving really cool elements of soul, reggae, blues and jazz. They remind me a bit of a more psychedelic version of WAR. They are a eight member band who's personnel hails from all over the Caribbean which is likely what gives their sound such variety. They are all apparently self-taught which makes this all the more impressive, the guitarist particularly shines, some seriously fabulous playing (I think Red Hot Chili Peppers must have been fans). It starts out with the joyful tune "Zion I", which goes on to the slower more laid back instrumental number "One More". This get a little more reggae when we get into "Getting It Back" which reminds me heavily of Bob Marley though it builds into something a bit funkier. "Listen" is more subdued, but the congo work on here is pretty nifty. Speaking of which "Rickshaw" has a really cool congo intro and it starts to sound a bit like a deflated instrumental version of "Low Rider" not that I mind. "Dove" has a really interesting atmospheric sound to it, it's quite epic clocking in at nearly eleven minutes. Actually their band name apparently translates from the Calypso language into the word Dove so perhaps it's their theme? "Bra" was sampled by such greats as Grandmaster Flash, Kool DJ Herc and De La Soul it's definitely one of the best on here. Then of course their biggest hit, "The Message" which is another favorite of mine. Finally the end with this one off with "Rastafarian Folk Song" which starts out with talking, and ends up with a celebratory sounding about Allah and Jah and all that good stuff. This is relatively unheard of, seriously one of the best unknown funk bands around that nearly everyone should love. (in RateYourMusic)