Newban were the 9 piece band that became Atlantic Starr. They recorded these two great albums in 1974 at Bell Sound NYC and they were released on the Guinness label in 1977. ‘Newban’ is a great and creative album throughout and includes the brilliant instrumental Funk track ‘Father Time’, excellent uptempo Jazzy soul ‘Why Did You Desert Me’, and brassy funky groovers ‘Fatback Sally’, ‘Hungry Grin’ and ‘Magic Lady’ which has a slight Latin feel. The slower ‘Central Park’ illustrates what great vocalists Sharon Bryant and Porter Carroll are, then changes mid tune into a driving Funky Jazz phase before returning to the vocals again. Sharon also shines on the brassy funky soul ‘Mellow Days Easy Nights’.
‘Newban 2’ starts with the excellent uplifting jazzy funky soul ‘Greenburgh’. ‘Rhythm and Rhyme’ is a lovely melodic Jazzy Soul cut. ‘If I Could (Make you mine)’ has a Kool and The Gang style riff, Porter carrying the vocals well on top of a funky groove. ‘Fine Woman’ is a nice easy paced flute led instrumental with good percussion. ‘Easin Through’ is an unusual mid tempo song with nice harmonies.
Great value CD highlighting these two rare albums plus 3 earlier unreleased tracks.
Buy the CD HERE
Listen to the tracks below
Newban – Father Time
Newban – Why Did You Desert Me
Newban – Central Park
Newban – Fatback Sally
Newban – Magic Lady
Newban – Mellow Days, Easy Nights
Newban – Hungry Grin
Newban – Home With You
Newban – Greenburgh
Newban – Rhythm & Rhyme
Newban – Find A Place To Live
Newban – If I could (Make You Mine)
Newban – Fine Woman
Newban – Easin’ Through
Newban – Free Your Mind
Newban – Bells
Newban – Miracle Holiday
Newban – Oh Wow
