VARIOUS ARTISTS - Smudge All Stars / Various

Smudge All Stars is Richie Stevens' audio intelligence collective. Richie is the son of the late John Stevens, a pioneer of British
free jazz, and a gifted drummer, percussionist and producer in his own right. His talents have found him in constant demand, working
with everyone from Horace Andy and Joss Stone to Boy George and Damon Albarn. Now, with Smudge All Stars, Richie leads a
funk/soul ensemble that draws on his friendships with many leading black British, Jamaican and US musicians.
Smudge All Stars is Richie's musical vision writ large. This is a party album in the old school P-funk tradition, all instrumentation is
recorded live with Stevens calling on the original Horny Horns Fred Wesley and Peewee Ellis to help build a fat brass groove for
the authentic P-Funk vibe and George Clinton vocals for the ultimate seal of funk approval.
The 8-track musical extravaganza commences with 'Brutal Funk'; a rousing psychedelic funk workout that encompasses a delicious
groove cooked up by the famed Jamiroquai member DJ D-Zire and the powerful vocals of British soul singer Mary Pearce. 'Up is
Just a Place Feat. George Clinton' continues the party vibes by bringing none other than the P-Funk master himself together with
Mary Pearce, MWS, Derek 'Dr Mouthquake' Green and the decorated British soul singer-songwriter Omar for a full flavoured
aural delight. Cue tight rapping, funky beats and scratching alongside slap bass and a slice of synth for good measure.
Other highlights include, 'Freaky Toe' which opts for a smoother groove than its predecessors with seductive vocals courtesy of Soul
II Soul's Charlotte Kelly. 'B Side' sees Mary Pearce join Derek 'Dr Mouthquake' Green for another upbeat affair,
accompanied by the legendary American trombonist Fred Wesley (James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic) who adds a distinctive
touch to the track.
Elsewhere, the album's ballad 'Headache Feat. George Clinton' sees the funk pioneer in a relaxed mood and joined by the
versatile British-born singer-songwriter Niara Scarlett (Roots Manuva, M. J. Cole, Basement Jaxx, Xenomania) to provide the perfect

vocal blend. '2 Cold 2 Hold' follows with its gospel-tinged groove and adds a welcomed blues vibe to the album courtesy of
Harmonica player to the stars Mitt Gamon (Godley and Creme, Boy George, The Ruts, Sam Brown, Murray Head, the Gang of Four).

Vinyl release of Various Artists - Smudge All Stars / Various. Released through VIOLENT DRUMS and available on LP.