Album Review: Big Ol' Nasty Getdown Release Volume 3

When I first got this assignment, I can honestly say I had never heard of The Big Ol' Nasty Get Down but after reading the lineup of musicians that were contributing to this project, I was so intrigued. I was pretty sold when I saw that members of two of my all-time favorite bands (Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam). However, looking over the musician lineup I went into this review expecting one thing and got something completely different. I really was expecting something a little more 90s rock with maybe a little pop twist instead what I got was this funky jam band vibe but in the best way...

Listening to this album became much more than just listening to a new album but it became learning about a new band that wasn't even really a band. After realizing that each song had a different line up of musicians I had to go to the bands web page to learn more about the band trying to lean if there were core members, but it wasn't the case The Big ol' Nasty Get Down is a series of jam sessions the first album captured in 2012 and a second album in 2018.

Volume 3 kicks off with "Yoda Mode" and within 10 seconds of this song I realized everything I was expecting from this album was likely to be wrong, very wrong.  I was instantly transformed back in time. I felt like I should have been in some smokey jazz club. It was funky and jazzy and just grooved. There is no denying how talented these musicians are, it just felt right. The standout to me that really makes the track are the Horns played by Philip Lassiter (Prince) and the keys played by Ruslan Sirota (Stanley Clarke Band)

Track two " When the Juice Ran Out " this was probably the closest to something I was expecting. This had the feeling of early Red Hot Chili Peppers, think pre Blood Sugar Sex Magik with a twist of fishbone.  With Jack Irons (Pearl jam/Red Hot Chilli Peppers) on drums and Angelo Moore (Fishbone) on vocals; this just felt so natural and right. If this was on a new Fishbone album, I probably wouldn't blink an eye, it felt so modern. 

Ain’t Nowhere to Go is the third track and once again a completely different sound. This is the second song on the album that Maiya Sykes provided vocals on and at this point I realized I really want to do some exploring of other projects. This really gave me an 80's to early 90'3s vibe.  Norwood Fisher (Fishbone) on bass to me is the one that really the standout song on the album. This is really one of those just close your eyes and vibe type of songs.

 Birds of a Feather is the next song on the album. If this was a live show I feel like this is where the lead singer would be introducing the band. It's a total jam instrumental, giving each one of the musicians to kinda do their thing. Once again, I feel like the horns and keys really steal the show here, but I really do enjoy the guitar solo.

Feelin’ It 

This is probably my favorite song on the whole album. Like if I was trying to introduce someone to this project, this is where I’d start. It is so funky and reminds me so much of something you would hear with Geroge Clinton. Cut Chemist (Jurassic 5) on the turntables is just a genius so tasteful and not overdone but just adding something fresh and new to the album. Also, Jack Irons back on drums here again. It's been a while since I have heard Jack. I have forgotten how much I enjoy his style.

Crispy Chicken is the sixth track and another instrumental track. Very talented musicians and very easy to get lost and groove out to but not my favorite. However, I do think that Norwood Fisher (Fishbone) on bass Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction) on drums is just a killer rhythm section.

Super Galactic is the next song up.  This reminds me a lot of 80s hip hop back when instruments were played by real people.  This is another one of those songs I can totally feel being played in a small club just feeling every note 

The next song "Joy Rider” is another instrumental track. This one has energy. If we were having a live show I feel like this might be how you end the set. Tim Stewart (Lady Gaga) on guitar is simply amazing on this track. It really makes me want to go back through Lady Gaga's discography and just focus on the guitar work. Such tasteful guitar soloing.

The album ends with instrumental versions of Yoda Mode, When the Juice Ran Out, Feelin’ It, and Super Galactic.

Some final thoughts on Big Ol' Nasty Getdown’s Volume 3.  First off, I don't think this was an album made to listen to digitally. Do yourself a favor, go buy the vinyl, drop it on the record player and enjoy this throwback.

Second off this is not a Pop album, don't go into this thinking you are getting a pop album this is music for musicians by musicians. No Ai, No drum machines, just real vibes.

The commitment and energy put into this album is just pure dedication, taken from over 100 hours and multiple years of recordings. 

cool thing about this project is the variety. Every song has a different flavor, but it all seems to fit together.  Getting to hear some of my favorite musicians playing outside of the bands they are known for and in some cases outside of the music style you associate them with just makes you appreciate how musically talented these individuals truly are. This is a true musicians mix tape, and any funk fan needs to add this to their vinyl collection.