Alan Evans’ solo debut ‘Let It Ride’ out worldwide after 17 years
In 2004 Alan Evans, co-founder & drummer of acclaimed funk / soul / jazz band Soulive, recorded his first solo album, Let It Ride, a groove-driven tour de force that only saw light of day on CD in Japan. Now 17 years later, this sought after album is finally out digitally worldwide courtesy of Vintage League Music.
Mention the name Alan Evans to a room full of music lovers, and you will get a consensus nod at one of the most celebrated and tenacious drummers, songwriters and producers in the jazz, funk, and soul scene. It was high time his solo debut got a proper digital release, with new cover artwork and 3 never before heard bonus live tracks.
The album has a distinctive groove-driven 70s funk vibe, mostly instrumental with a few vocal-led tracks, and is full of catchy hooks and outstanding musicianship. Evans wrote the album, plays drums, synths and sings. He enlisted an all-star line-up of music friends to play on the album. Some of the very best of the modern funk/soul scene including:
Aaron Bellamy (Chaka Khan / Beyonce / Cee-Lo Green), Mike Feingold (Jay-Z / Erykah Badu), Ruslan Sirota (Stanley Clarke / Josh Groban), Neal Evans (Soulive / Lettuce / Jack White), Sam Kininger (Lettuce / Soulive / Dave Matthews), Cochemea Gastelum (Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings / Amy Winehouse / Lady Gaga), Atticus Cole (Lettuce / Bill Cole), Amee Jana, Skip Jennings, Nikki Glaspie (Nth Power / Dumpstaphunk / Beyonce)…
Tracks include the feel good funk of “Do It Again”, an infectious tune with tight syncopated rhythms, while “Hot n Greezy”, is a dance floor funk number with snappy, bebop funk sax. Titletrack “Let It Ride” features a relaxed, evocative funk groove with 70s style analog synth, incredibly catchy! “Welcome To The World” takes things in another direction with a slinky soul jazz lounge vibe. “What the People Say” is a tough, heavy funk tune featuring chant style vocals. “Low Down Low” is a very groovy jazz funk track. All tracks feature tight in the pocket grooves and incredible musicianship.
“Let It Ride” out Digitally on February 25th via Vintage League Music
