REVIEW: Corduory Men Of The Cloth mini album

30 years ago as the dying embers of classic James Bond, Michael Caine and BBC films bit the dust of popularity came a rediscovery of these classic films and their soundtracks via The Sound Gallery albums. Presented in the releases were much loved anthems familiar to the few, the original release were cherished by record collectors alike.

Supporting these releases were initial outings by a band called Corduroy. Featuring the bassist from the hit track by Doctor and the Medics, plus Boys Wonder twins, the Fabric Fours impact on the music scene was swift and direct. Dad Man Cat being the bands first long player was full of the charming musical twists and turns featured on the aforementioned soundtracks. The only difference being the musicians were new cats on the street, purring with their own smooth Jazz Funk coats.

Fast forward 30 years Corduroy’s coats have matured gracefully, the band still making music for their suited and booted crowd of Charlie Browns and Cat Women. Celebrating the anniversary of Dad Man Cat sees a new mini album release, Men Of The Cloth, released via their long standing favoured label Acid Jazz. The sleeve features the band in Get Carter guises, Alf Roberts falling from a roof isn’t in sight, the back cover exhibits a slightly more youthful shot of the band from their hayday, sitting on what looks like at a picnic bench, looking north, south, east and west, awaiting their flights to success.

Opener on the mini album Code 3 takes you on a magical mystery tour. Georgie Fame and Brian Auger type organ makes your shoulders move, soulful rumbling bass gets the knees knocking, drums straight of the school of Bernard Purdie funk breaks has your feet shuffling whilst dainty guitar loops have your head nodding in tandem, the completed recipe is your body moving and grooving to a pleasing jazz funk beat.

The rest of the album follows suit, piano vocal charge of No More Me Me Me, Band About The House is a wistful big drums beats tune featuring Grandstand gulping bass drum, Hypnotoad is a Small Faces Grown Your Own type Hammond stomping instrumental only meant for charged up dancefloors and living rooms, Back To School features charming rhymes and sounds similar to the opening to BBC’s Playschool theme, the final act is The Gemini Theory sounding like a Roy Budd classic composition.

The blessing of these delightful 6 tracks only needs to be tested by the listening ear. Once dipped into these sounds there’s little going back to a normal life. Simply, let Corduroy entertain you.

Men Of The Cloth can be purchased via the following link