Sometimes I'm not proud to be a Dutchman but this is different cake, now I'm proud as a chicken with seven cocks. May I introduce to you an other fellow Dutchman Robert Kramers. Robert Kramers is an outstanding bass player and writer as well producer. Kramers just released his first solo album 'On The Block' on his own independent label 'Robert Kramers'. The album consist of ten tracks which he all produced. The styles on this album are Smooth Jazz, Jazz Funk, Rap, Soul.

Robert was inspired by bands like 'Earth Wind And Fire', 'Commodores', 'George Benson', Motown Bass Legend 'James Jamerson' and an other old school bass hero 'Marcus Miller'. When you hear Robert play he just sounds like Miller and that is a very big compliment and i really mean it. That's why I'm so proud. The album sounds very fresh because the mastering is very good, sounds like an American production.

The opening track 'Back To Now' is a killer instrumental smooth jazz tune. Superb bass play, check the bridge. On top of the bass you hear beautiful strings. It has a nice melody and some great 'seventies/blaxploitation' sounds like the organ and synths. What a track.

The same is also valid for the instrumental 'Wond'ring 'Bout You'. The bass is not that present but it's exchanged for the Alto Saxophone, beautifully played by Rick Alexander. When you hear this track for the first time then you probably think it's George Howard, or Najee.

The soul track 'Can't Live Like This' is a vocal track done by Christina Garai. The bridge/bass line (2:06) has some influences of 'Settle Down' by 'Lillo Thomas'. Robert must create an extended version of it;-)

'Black Or White' sounds very seventies. This sound is created by the Organ play of Henne Reijs, and by the chants of the different Horns (James Brown). Robert Raps on top this what creates a nice blend of new and old school music.

On track five 'Sand Mountain Joy' Robert Plays on his fretless Bass, no other instruments are presents.

He continues with the next track 'Take Off' in the same style as the opening track. Fabulous bass work with great strings, fender Rhodes and nice background chants. Also a killer instrumental smooth jazz track.

The Latin influenced track 'Omage' with great percussion work with great 'Spanish' guitar play by Zsolt Rimes, who also wrote this song.

The down-tempo smooth jazz track 'Balaton Beauty' is indeed a beauty. Very deep bass with on top the sax, hmm this sounds like more. The last track on this album is 'Gimme The Beat'. It starts with the beat followed by that pumpin' bass of Robert. The vocals of L. Koster finish the song.

This album is worth every penny. Great Job Robert, go for the next one ;-) Check the sound samples on this page.


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Mark Berbiers SOULANDFUNKMUSIC.COM