The Pimps of Joytime - Janxta Funk! (2011)

The Pimps’ main mission is getting folks on the dance floor, and they embrace that goal with gusto with the next tune, and electro/funk jam that is aptly named “Keep That Music Playing.” “Keep That Music Playing” is driven by a pulsating bass line and features the band’s vocalists encouraging DJs around the country to – well – keep playing the music. The song checks in at a hefty 6:26, but the time goes fast as the tune is chock full of tempo changes, throbbing percussion work and a variety of voices. All of these things work together to keep the track fresh. The energetic “That’s the Way We Do” bounces from rock to funk, to disco to techno and rap. “Temporary Condition” is a relationship joint that sports a jaunty bass line that is interspersed with keyboards and horns. The track may remind some listeners of Con Funk Shun. “Heart is Wild,” is a straight up funk record that fuses rock and soul and delivers a message of rebellion and independence.

The PJT’s are a New York based band, and that means contains more than a little Latin influence. Those influences flow on “Blues Wit U,” a jazz/funk meets Mambo number that closes out “Blues Wit U” pretty much sums up the Pimps of Joytime. The band comes from a place that is awash with all kinds of cultural influences and musical influences. “Blues Wit U” begins with a Mambo groove that morphs Latin Jazz. One thing becomes clear after listening to Janxta Funk!, the Pimps of Joytime never let their groove become a rut. They don’t linger in one genre very long, and the band is rarely content to wait for the song to end before sliding into a different tempo or genre. They’ll make you sweat, and that’s probably a dance band’s highest calling. Recommended

Janxta Funk by the Pimps of Joytime is a joyous and groove heavy drive down an open stretch of highway on a sunny day with no rush to get anywhere, yet always chugging along and pushing forward. Pulling you in with the title track that lays down the philosophy of this hard hitting Brooklyn boogie band and their message of the groove. The tone is set for a taste of the dance party, throw yourself into the mix kind of show this band puts on when they hit the stage. Drawing inspiration from Afro-beat, disco, funk,hip-hop, Latin, electronic, and folk forms this release truly is a melting pot of sounds. Enjoy the synth heavy disco funk of ‘Keep the Music Playing’, or the laid back roots based slow jam ‘Blues Wit You’, either way it’s a jam baby, and it’s a damn funky one at that. Groove to Pimpin’ Music, or chill out to Walkin’ featuring the legendary Roy Ayers. There is something for everyone. A little gritty and janky, yet clean and tight, this album will rock you and make ya move your dancing feet.