Capri, Boogie Man

Up and coming UK band Capri pull out all the stops on this, their debut album. Essentially a nine-piece Funk band, Capri throw in all their influences and add extra musicians when needed. It is the latter that makes this album truly unique, with thirty-six (counted!) musicians, the sleeve credits look more like credits to a movie rather than an album. Yes, Symphony Orchestras have as many as Seventy people and there was the 80's tradition of filling your album with all the best session musicians available, but this is different, using different instrumentation on virtually every track. This could however be seen as a slight hindrance as some of the tracks don't blend well with each other, this all depends on whether you like your albums with a consistent feel throughout or you prefer variety.

Whatever your preference there is no denying that the musicianship on this album is outstanding. Matthew Wingler (Guitar) gives everything he's got going effortlessly from one style to another, sometimes in the same tune and the horn and string arrangements/performances are immense. Another thing that makes this album unique is the fact that Capri are a self-contained organisation, with no record company gnawing at there toes you get the sense of total musical freedom. (There are five instrumentals, a dirty word to many music execs). So yet again we have another growing force against an already crumbling record industry and Capri must be applauded for this remarkable musical achievement.