|
"Captain Coconut has built a strong following out of its
New York City base at the Knitting Factory, but the band passed
its funk final exam in showcase gigs at New Orleans clubs during
Jazz Fest the past two years. Shoop! lives up to the promise of the live
shows with a terse, snappy neo-funk sound that particularly
showcases the in Danny Rivera’s monster break during the brass
meltdown on 'Jubilant Crackhead Strut. The two most impressive
things about the album are the exceptionally good songwriting,
especially guitarist Dan Knobler’s numbers, and the airtight,
stop-and-go-on-a-dime arrangements. For a young band,
these kids really play together as a unit.'"
- John Swenson, Offbeat Magazine
------------------------------------------
From the Hot Pick's Section of the
New Orleans Times-Picayune's 2007 JazzFest Coverage
"Captain Coconut - seven New York teenagers with a
serious affinity for New Orleans music."
- Keith Spera, New Orleans Times-Picayune
From the Hot Pick's Section of the
New Orleans Times-Picayune's 2007 JazzFest Coverage
------------------------------------------
From NYU's 2008 Battle of the Bands
"
Given that the majority of New York City college bands makes music in two categories - hipster-electronica or heartfelt-acoustic-indieness - Captain Cocount is a breath of fresh air.
Composed of students from NYU, SUNY-Purchase, Manhattan School of Music and Wesleyan University, Captain Coconut is clever, gleeful, unadulterated funk. Their groove begins with the opening chords of the title track off their EP "Shoop!" and rides all the way through. Their music transports the listeners to some of music's most compelling time periods: the 1920's jazz era, early '90s neo-soul and the experimental funk of the '70s.
Their songs are almost entirely instrumental, which is a blessing, for Captain Coconut's band members are truly skilled at what they do. Their skill can be heard through handcrafted melodies on songs like "Black Sara" or through vivid improvisation on songs like "Ampersand."
Perhaps their mastery comes from their experience. In the four years since the band's formation, they've played a host of New York City area gigs at venues like CBGB, The Knitting Factory and Canal Room, where they already won a battle of the bands competition.
As long as there's a demand for funky music, Captain Coconut will keep making their dynamic and impressive sounds."
- Morenkie Fajana, Washingon Square News
|
