Delta Nove - Imaginary Conversations (2011)

With their previous full-length effort, Delta Nove asked open-endedly, “The Future is When?” Now, a few years and a few hundred-thousand road miles later, the band leaves no doubt that the aforementioned “future” has arrived, and it has arrived in the form of “Imaginary Conversations,” a 15-track opus that showcases the band’s strengths and diversity like never before.

Recorded at The Woodshed in Delta Nove’s hometown of Long Beach, California, the band’s eighth full-length release proves that the sextet has matured into adulthood as a band. Without straying from the irresistible dance party vibe of earlier releases, the new subject matter comes from a place of deeper personal, spiritual, and social understanding. The addition of two new horn players, Nic Chaffee (brass) and Justin Padilla (woodwinds), as well as John “Fingaz” Caldwell on keyboards, exhibits that the band is continuing to grow, evolve, and mature musically. For the first time in Delta Nove’s history, the band enlisted the help of two outside producers; the legendary Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton) and Bruce Witkin (Adam Ant, Warren Zevon). Additionally, to provide unique flavor to the arrangements, the band opened up their rolodexes and called upon a smattering of guest artists. The most notable guest is funk music’s greatest living icon, George Clinton, who belts out the hook to Delta Nove’s original funk anthem “Boom Bop.” The end-result of nearly a year of collaboration and late night studio sessions is Delta Nove’s finest work to date.

Delta Nove is currently touring heavily in support of “Imaginary Conversations,” and will continue to spend time in the studio putting out new material for their fans to digest in between shows. So, if you’d planned a trip to Carnival or Mardi Gras, save your cash. The Delta Nove show is on its way, and they’ll be bringing the party to you.