The Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra follow their Dionne Farris-assisted rework of the beloved Love Jones soundtrack standout “Hopeless” with the premiere of “Sybil’s Blues” featuring Theo Croker. The latest from the newly-formed outfit founded by Grammy-nominated trumpeter Russell Gunn comes ahead of their highly-anticipated debut album Get It How You Live, which is set to arrive on July 13th via Ropeadope Records. The nine-track project blends original compositions with reboots of r&b classics, including “If I Ever Fall In Love” by Shai and a medley of tunes by Switch. Lending his signature to an already massive horn arrangement on “Sybil’s Blues,” Croker adds even more depth to the ensemble’s expansive, hip-hop inspired big band arrangement. Trombonist Saunders Sermon also guests on the track, which includes a clever reference to Digable Planets‘ “Rebirth of Slick” and funky fret work that recalls D’Angelo‘s “Chicken Grease.” By daring to imagine new possibilities for tunes from his own catalog and other nostalgia-inducing jams, Gunn has realized a new chapter in his musical journey. Rooted in jazz and propelled by a relentless spirit of experimentation, Russell Gunn regards The Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra and the provocative music they are making together as a benchmark of his career.
“The Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra is my greatest achievement to date. I am proud to carry the torch of the great Big Bands into the modern era. I consider it a huge responsibility to represent the lineage of Big Band leaders like Fletcher Henderson, Jimmy Lunceford, Count Basie and the king of all, Sir Duke (Ellington), in a way that pays homage to the tradition while expanding the possibilities.”
Stream “Sybil’s Blues” below. Get more on Russell Gunn and The Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra’s forthcoming debut via russellgunn.fourfour.com and ropeadope.com.
About the author
Comments