Pimps of Joytime - Jukestone Paradise (2015)

At least a dozen times a day there’s a car traveling through our neighborhood blasting out some type of music. For the most part we are bombarded by some overloaded track of internal organ rattling rap with occasional snatches of classic rock music, coked-up mice girl pop or the strains of a sentimental corrido or ranchera. Now, why can’t I get someone driving by playing something cool? Say, something like one of the deliciously cool tracks off the Pimps of Joytime’s Jukestone Paradise? I could stand a car getting stuck at the intersection for a couple of minutes with one of the tracks off this highly addictive recording.

Following up releases High Steppin, Janxta Funk! and their 2009 remix release Funk Fixes & Remixes, the Brooklyn based Pimps of Joytime have hit the streets with their Jukestone Paradise on their own Write Home Records label in conjunction with the kickoff of their latest tour. Fans in Brooklyn, Washington DC, Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta, New Orleans and Richmond better get on the stick because the Pimps of Joytime are set to play in these cities in April and May.

Edgy with funk, blues, rock, dance and soul, the Pimps of Joytime pull out all the stops on this razor-edged release that’s so good if you’re not tapping something, shaking something or internally revved seek medical attention immediately because there’s something wrong.

In addition to the usual suspects of Pimps of Joytime vocalist, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist and programming master Brian J; vocalists and percussionists Mayeana Morales and Cole Williamsx; bassist, Moog and sampling guru David Bailis and drummer John Staten, Jukestone Paradise has guest performances by Ivan Neville, Alex Toth, Chauncey Yearwood, Nadav Nadav Nirenberg, Imani Coppila and Anthony Cole.

Brian J explains the inspiration for Jukestone Paradise, “I closed my eyes and kept thinking of what a weird, spaced out futurist Juke Joint might be like and the music you would find there.”

And, it’s indeed a wild ride into a futuristic juke joint on Jukestone Paradise, with kick ass guitar licks, spine loosening grooves, electronic loops and sweet edges of funk and blues as with the opening track “Red Golden” and its sizzling guitar and equally delicious vocals. “Dance Cardia” with Rubblebucket and Brian J’s falsetto vocals has a kind of pop groove going, but it doesn’t last as Jukestone Paradise slips into some feel good funk with “Waiting for My Ride” with some dishy backing vocals.

Fans get some seriously kick ass tracks like rock/funk combo “Heart is Wild” or the spiritual inspired “Sky” with Ivan Neville on piano and B3 or sharp rock on “Cut Off.” “The Jump” breathes fire with a kick-up blues edge with some stunning percussion, guitar and electronica, while “Body Party” slips into a silky groove with sassy vocals.

“Dank Janky” is simply, and perhaps deceptively as first hearing, a stunner. Edged with harmonica, electronica, what sounds like a jaw harp and infectiously catchy groove, this track fires off flashing hints of funk, psychedelic rock and blues in a sound that’s a little reminiscent of a 70s rock number with its layered elements. Jukestone Paradise closes with the equally delicious “Freedom Dancer” with a Sly & Family Stone coolness.