Brooklyn Funk Essentials is a collective of groove musketeers founded in New York in 1993.
The musical adventure began with a desire to jam informally with friends. The musicians soon got into the swing of things, taking to the stage for some memorable gigs (including the Giant Steps evenings in New York). In '94, they released their first album, produced by Arthur Baker, riding the acid-jazz wave. It featured vocals by diva Joi Cardwell and reggae toaster Papa Dee. Their second album, recorded entirely in Istanbul with twelve Turkish and gypsy musicians, moved towards a more worldly sound. With "Make them like it", they return to their first love and good old groove, a blend of jazz, soul, funk and drum'n bass. Devoted entirely to the pursuit of the swinging note, these musicians surround themselves each time with new collaborators including Sha-Key (trombone) or, on bass/guitar, Lati Kronlund, also producer of Khaled's "Kenza" album. Their experience of the New York club scene has turned them into a formidable dance machine whose every live appearance leaves cohorts of dancers exhausted but happy.
