Mandrill: A Pre-Nitrous Balloon Jam Band
Before modern Jam Bands were (rightfully) stigmatized for catering to all of the orphaned Dead/Phish heads, there was Mandrill. Hailing from Brooklyn circa 1968, four multi-instrumentalist Panamanian brothers created their own hybrid of latin, jazz, soul, and straight up funk. These days they still play the occasional show, but mainly, the royalties they make for licensing their music to Kanye West and Missy Elliot keeps them happy.
Check out this 1973 footage of the fellas playing “Fencewalk.”
Their debut 1971 self titled album is my favorite. As a big fan of 70s collaborative soul/funk bands, this record has a lot more bite than Rufus, think Cymande. The first song off the record, “Mandrill,” introduces the album with exotic fanfare. The crash of a gong, Fela Kuti inspired horns, and kinetic, poly-rhythmic percussion simultaneously captivate all who listen. This record is one your parents would be proud to have in their collection.
Check out this mp3 of “Mandrill” and I’ll even give you a taste of another track off the record, “Warning Blues,” just because it is another favorite. If you like this sound, you have to do your part, head over to the band’s website, and buy the record!
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