Regular Columnists

Artist: The Intown Band
Album: Intown Band
Website: http://www.intownband.com
Genre: Jazz/Funk/Pop/R&B
Technical Grade: 8/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 7/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Best Songs: Change Jar, Water, Cutesy Blues
CD Review: AVG has been a fixture in the Atlanta music scene for several years. Vocalist Patricia Allen, guitarist Tom Godfrey, and keyboardist Thomas Vinton have expanded their trio with the addition of Yahya Rahmaan on drums and Lauren Hunt on bass. Their first release as the Intown Band is InTown Band. What hasn’t changed is their brand of funky, jazz influenced soul. Allen’s powerful gospel inspired vocals, Vinton’s funky keys, and Godfrey’s rock solid guitar mesh nicely with Rahmaan’s polyrhythmic beats and Hunt’s steady bass. Change Jar is a holdover from the AVG days and it translates well here. The production is crystal clear as Allen coaxes, croons, and wails over the pulsating rhythm. Vinton and Godfrey break down into an instrumental duel until Allen begins to moan again over some bluesy keys. This is easily one of my favorite songs on the CD. Cutesy Blues is another favorite of mine. This new song was co-written by Allen, Vinton, Godfrey, and Rahmaan. Again the rhythm section really hits a groove while Godfrey plays a cry-baby wah intro and Allen scats. It’s a nice jazz/funk blend that had me moving in my chair. Intown Band’s only shortcoming is that there’s not enough. It’s a relatively short CD, clocking in at around 30 minutes but there is no shortage of good songs. We can only hope that Intown Band will release more music soon. Until then, we have to make do. Of course, if you’re lucky enough like me to be able to see them live, you should. If not, check out Intown Band.