Sure Fire Soul Ensemble

2015 debut album from San Diego’s Sure Fire Soul Ensemble compiles twelve expertly played, horn-led funk and soul instrumental tracks, influenced by bands like The Meters and The JBs. Their sound is inspired by late sixties/early seventies funk music, so while the playing is sophisticated, it’s not a slick and polished sound, the grooves have a gritty, grinding edge to them and there’s a distinct air of nostalgia to the whole affair. Funky flute jams like The Hunt are graced by soaring JBs-esque horn lines and expertly produced funky drum tracks where the snare just pops, Lane Changin’ and Sander’s Lament have a slightly more brooding 70s spy movie/cop show vibe to them, while tunes like Sweltering Heights are perfectly crafted to accompany chase-scenes. Like a long-lost rare groove classic.