Truth and Soul: The Olympians

Over the last decade or so, the record consuming world has seen the number of re-issues in genres apart from jazz skyrocket. A glut of unknown punk bands from the ‘70s and ‘80s have seen the light of day on compilations like Killed By Death. And of course there are still some to come, but on top of those punk and jazz discs, funk compilations have been appearing in an ever growing number. And with such an enormous market for the likes of the Cold Heat, Funk Drops, The Funk 16 Corners and Bay Area Funk compilations, new funk and soul labels have begun cropping up across the nation to explain their side of the story.

Perhaps most well known in the states is the Daptone label, who sport such names as the Budos Band, Sharon Jones and the newly minted Menahan Street Band. This last group, made up of players from various groups on the Daptone imprint, has created a wide reaching funk and soul affair with influence coming from the Latin corner of the musical universe as well as folk.

Sharon Jones, though, is easily the most highly visible out of the funky troupe. And while she's been in the music game for some time now, she's only really gained her much deserved notoriety within the last few years thanks to a run of outrageously strong recorded efforts and her non-stop touring.

Another label, not too dissimilar from Daptone, Truth and Soul Records, has been making a funky noise for a while now. But only thanks to Grand Good, was I able to be exposed to The Olympians. So, thanks.

Much in the same way that the Menahan Street Band culled members from much respected soul, funk and jazz groups in and around NYC, The Olympians, put together by Toby Pazner (keyboard/vibes), has assembled folks from the likes of El Michels in addition to other players in order to put out the "How Can I Love" single.

Reportedly self recorded, The Olympians have a sound that's more Motown than Stax. Not to say that the band isn't funky or gritty enough, but it's the laid back feeling echoing from the vibes that's more than capable of relaxing any listener. With a melody leaving ample room for round bass tones and lead horns, "How Can I Love" recalls some instrumental gems from Isaac Hayes prior to being known for his vocalizing.

The b-side to the single, "Stand Tall," has a bit more drive to it with the wah-wah guitar being ubiquitous throughout the track. The horns here too have a stronger presence more punch, if you will. And because of that, it must have been difficult to decide which track was going to be placed first.

The one complaint that might be levied on either of these tracks is that, while there is ample opportunity for a few burning solos, the band decided against it. So, inlieu of displaying their chops, these musicians decide to stick to the groove which isn't too bad of an idea.