Artist: Charles Glenn
Album: The Best of the Best
Label: Spectra Music Group
Year Of Release: 2014
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Tracklist:
01. 57
02. Cruisin
03. Funk Dat
04. Funky Monkey
05. If You Believe
06. Make It Hot for Me
07. Stephani
08. Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)
09. Swagg Jazz
10. You’re All I Need
Charles Glenn is a veteran of the music industry. This former Motown recording artist, with the funk band Ozone has many accomplishments under his belt. He was born and raised in Nashville, TN to Charles Sr. and Julia Glenn. Charles Glenn began his music career at the age of 16, where he was given an opportunity to play with a local top 40 band. At the age of 17, Charles headed west to California where Motown signed him. As the youngest member in his band he learned to perfect his bass playing skills and showmanship. Charles Glenn is currently signed with Spectra Jazz and just released his latest work entitled “The Best of the Best”.
The CD kicks things off with “57 Feat” an upbeat intro piece that serves up classic Fusion rock groove against slamming R&B guitar and driving rock rhythm. Track 2 “Crusin’’” shifts gears with its smooth as silk flowing rhythm, heartfelt vibe and thought provoking musical layering from Glenn and company. Track 3 my personal favorite “Funk Dat” is a sizzling melody that dishes out impressive rhythm section, sickening bass chops and well placed horns/organ accents that peaks and valleys its way through to emotional fruition. As this CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical soundscapes reminiscent of such classic Damen Tisdale, Stanly Clarke, Jaco Pastorius, Billy Cobham, and Weather Report. The music itself is an impressive blend of Classic Rock, Jazz, Fusion, Psychedelic Jam Band and Funkadelick R&B and even Smooth Jazz. You definitely get an unmistakable bass guitar driven Psychedelic Funk-Rock vibe from the catalogue which all the Bass heads will die for. I get the impression Glenn and company are having a lot of fun just letting it all hang out with these songs. He’s definitely one of those guys that’s a whole lot of fun to listen to. The musicianship from Glenn and company is equally as impressive. I might add his bass playing abilities go beyond human – dishing out impressive chops, solos, and passionate and confident playing style. You will notice lush layers of instrumentation layered everywhere, from impressive keyboard accents, Hammond Organ chops, impressive horns, Jazz Guitar, behind a deadly thick as a brick rhythm section. But the most impressive thing about this release besides the amazing 10 song line up is the musical personality you get from Glenn – PERIOD! From funky “Funky Monkey” to heartfelt “If You Believe” and “Stop, Look Listen” to grooving “Make it Hot For Me” and Swag Jazz” to melodic “Stephani” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 10 “Your All I Need” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.
From start to finish Best of the Best from Charles Glenn is a barnburner of a release. Let me go on records to say it’s one of the grooviest CD’s I’ve heard this year. It will definitely get your toe tapping. The music is consistent, uplifting, and extremely fun and entertaining to check out. Note for note, song for song there isn’t really a weak piece of music on this entire CD. The writing and playing abilities of Charles Glenn are red hot and he is clearly a masterful bassist guitarist, songwriter and overall musical personality.
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I’ve worked with many bands and studio musicians through my musical years and never heard anyone that could match Charles. Along with his showmanship and winning personality what a combination. I first was acquainted with Charles when he was with Little Richard I was mesmerized.