(July 17, 2020) Back in the day, when rare groove DJ’s were spinning the tunes from jazz catalogs like Blue Note, a quintet came together to add a live alternative. The Greyboy Allstars made their bow by backing rare groove turntablist DJ Greyboy - crafting an in-the-pocket blend of beats and soul sprinkled with jazz improvisation called boogaloo.
For fans of the San Diego-based group, there are two treats in one this summer. While their historical 1994 debut and now collector’s item entitled West Coast Boogaloo featuring trombonist Fred Wesley is being reissued next month, the Greyboy Allstars deliver new material that should provide diversion from the COVID blues, entitled Como De Allstars.
(July 17, 2020) Back in the day, when rare groove DJ’s were spinning the tunes from jazz catalogs like Blue Note, a quintet came together to add a live alternative. The Greyboy Allstars made their bow by backing rare groove turntablist DJ Greyboy - crafting an in-the-pocket blend of beats and soul sprinkled with jazz improvisation called boogaloo.
For fans of the San Diego-based group, there are two treats in one this summer. While their historical 1994 debut and now collector’s item entitled West Coast Boogaloo featuring trombonist Fred Wesley is being reissued next month, the Greyboy Allstars deliver new material that should provide diversion from the COVID blues, entitled Como De Allstars.
On the latest First Listen, the title track finds group members Karl Denson, Elgin Park (AKA Michael Andrews), Robert Walter, Chris Stillwell and Aaron Redfield staying true to their smooth grooves. “Como De Allstars” thrives on succulent Latin flavored, funky ingredients include congas, vocal hooks and jubilant improvisations from flutist Denson and keyboardist Walker. In explaining Greyboy Allstars longevity, Park states: “What ties all of our records together is that we always come back to the basic premise established from the beginning.” And 26 years removed from their debut, Greyboy Allstars still subscribe to the artistry that has kept that longevity intact. Let the boogaloo with Como De Allstars begin!
By Peggy Oliver
The Greyboy Allstars - "Como De Allstars"