Andy Stevens,
Press & Sun Bulletin,
Thursday January 24, 2002
UnityGroup, Umoja (independent)

Fusing funk, world beat, jazz and joy has been UnityGroup's thing from the onset, and barring a live performance (always the best way to experience this troupe), you won't find a better example of their singular blend than on this tight and driving disc.

Twelve tracks, 12 moods, 12 reasons to get out of your seat and feel the rhythm. Frontman Robert Weinberger's prominent horns (sax, flutes, etc.) set the stage on many of these tracks, and cast a jazz glow over things most often, but this is really an ensemble cast, and no member is allowed to outshine the others for too long.

Funky bass lines percolate thoroughout; snappy drumming and a laundry list of other instruments make appearances on this eclectic, globally-kissed disc. Marvel at the Woody Allen snazzy jazz of Road to Uzes, only to be swept off to the tropics in the shimmering steel pan glow of Bou's Mambo and the island-flavored Nico. Lakeside, with its captivating sax hook and delightful hyperkinetic rhythms, soars, and we are swept away on a mysterious and dreamy magic carpet ride on the aptly-named Baghdad.

The globally woven title track--short and sweet at 4:16--conveys all manner of lyrical and musical comfort and good cheer with its "friends' sing-along" feel.

Fans of noodly jam bands would do well to turn an ear here to experience how a tight ensemble can accomplish in eight minutes or less what takes said self-indulgent noodlers 20-odd minutes or more.

This is not to say that the UnityGroup never meanders. There are a couple of tracks that take a detour, for sure, and production on a track or two is a bit muffled, dampening some of the brightness, but by and large, these cuts are crisp, focused and compelling.

Wisely finishing the disc with the rainbow-bright island anthem Che Che Cole, UnityGroup has delivered a solid, spirited release, sure to warm you on even the chilliest of winter nights.

Find this one at local shops, or at one of the band's gigs; if you don't, reach the band directly at www.woodwiz.com/unitygroup or 888-859-1184. Grade: B+