Break(estra)

The confluence of talent that was going on just after the LA riots back in the early ‘90s in and around the city proper is the stuff that’s perhaps impacted what all this ‘backpacker’ nonsense is about. It’s a horrible name for a skewed sub-genre, but that’s how it goes. It’s a place holder, not a realistic pigeon hole for the music. Anyway, the ‘90s saw the rise of the Good Life and a host of other open mic nights in the city. What resulted was Freestyle Fellowship, Dialated Peoples, J5, the Stones Throw crew, Project Blowed and by extension Busdriver and his cohort. In about twenty years, that’s a huge portion of the enlightened hip hop thing to peg on such a specific time and place.

At the same time that all of this was going on, some dude named Miles Tackett allowed his funk and rare groove obsession to move him towards recording jams that he and his friends went in on. After performing at some open mic nights as well as a deejay evening he hosted, the Breakestra became a ‘proper’ band. Kinda. The group didn’t release an album – in the States – until 2001, although an album had been levied on an Eastern audience by that time.

Regardless, The Live Mix Tape, Pt. 2 comprises a clutch of funk standards and covers that any self respecting rap fan is gonna be familiar with. Tackett contributes vocals only occasionally and as the disc clocks in at twenty some odd minutes, it really feels unfinished. A few other releases trickled out, including Hit the Floor on Ubiquity. But with the release of Dusk Till Dawn, it seems as if the Breakestra has finalized its sound and approach to funk and soul music.

Released via Strut Records, the Breakestra’s new album sports almost as many vocal numbers as instrumentals, which compared to the group’s earlier releases is a marked contrast. “No Matter Where You Go” finds Tackett explaining that the funk’s all around us. He goes on to check a few bands – actually, a lot of ‘em. Surprisingly enough, though, he tosses in the Aggrolites, an LA (skinhead) reggae band. And after hearing both groups, juxtaposing the funk that both incorporates, it’s becomes clear as to why the JA related group is mentioned.  That doesn’t make it any less surprising.

There’re a few emcees that show up to make guest spots – Chali 2na most notably. But still what the Breakestra does best is rave up a funk track. At this late date in the genre it’d be sensible to figure that there aren’t too many places to take a song any loner. But that would be closed minded considering Tackett’s musical acumen.

“Me & Michelle” begins as any listener would expect: rolling bass and some poignant drumming. But at just short of a minute into the track, a cello kicks up. Without hearing the combo, some might conclude that it makes no sense. The instrument, though, ostensibly replaces the would-be vocal line – and replaces it well. Even if it didn’t work, the effort should be appreciated. It does work, so funk you.