Ikebe Shakedown is another Bandcamp discovery. The band specializes in cinematic soul, an instrumental brand of soul/funk that feels like it should be straight out of a 70s cop or heist movie or a Tarantino soundtrack.
The band does burning jams and introspective cuts that feel like instant classics. If you aren’t moved by their tunes, you might want to consult your doctor.
Ikebe Shakedown and the lowdown
Out of Brooklyn, the band seems to have been around more than a decade, with their debut EP Hard Steppin’ released by Colemine records in 2009.
There’s not a ton about the band themselves on the web. Their Soundcloud page seems to have more info than their own site. The band seems to be a seven-piece outfit, with a four-man rhythm section (Barnaby Alter, drums. Dave Bourla, percussion. Vince Chiarito, bass and Robin Schmidt, guitar) and a horn trio (Mike Buckley, tenor/baritone sax. Jason Colby, trumpet and Nadav Nirenberg, trombone).
What I can tell you is that they’ve got impeccable timing and taste. The horn section is on point, the percussion and bass are rock solid without being dull. Guitar is sparing but when it moves to the forefront you feel like Schmidt has something to say.
They’ve done a bit of label-hopping with a lot of their discography on Bandcamp under Ubiquity Records and another chunk on Colemine.
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Khruangbin, The Olympians, the Dap Kings
If you dig Khruangbin, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings or The Olympians, you owe it to yourself to spend some time with Ikebe Shakedown’s catalog. If you’re not sure where to start, 2014’s Stone by Stone is a safe bet. It’s a 10-track powerhouse with a lot of staying power. The album has that warm, familiar feeling even on the first spin, like you’re picking up a conversation with an old friend.
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