to listen or purchase
Roy Hargrove formed the side group The RH Factor in 2003 as a way to express himself outside of the jazz realm, but the group's development has made it more than a passing fancy. And with Distractions, The RH Factor makes its statement as one of the great self-contained R&B groups of our time, masterfully bridging the gap between jazz, hip-hop and straight up funk. From the Parliament-like "A Place" to the smoother "Family" and "On the One" and the fantastic "Hold On" and "Crazy Race," this is a disc that would have fit in 1980 and works even better in 2006. The band is flawless and former Zhane singer Renee Neufville adds the finishing touches on a disc that should be a treat for both funk and jazz lovers. One of the best discs you'll hear this year.
By Chris Rizik
Roy Hargrove formed the side group The RH Factor in 2003 as a way to express himself outside of the jazz realm, but the group's development has made it more than a passing fancy. And with Distractions, The RH Factor makes its statement as one of the great self-contained R&B groups of our time, masterfully bridging the gap between jazz, hip-hop and straight up funk. From the Parliament-like "A Place" to the smoother "Family" and "On the One" and the fantastic "Hold On" and "Crazy Race," this is a disc that would have fit in 1980 and works even better in 2006. The band is flawless and former Zhane singer Renee Neufville adds the finishing touches on a disc that should be a treat for both funk and jazz lovers. One of the best discs you'll hear this year.
By Chris Rizik