Second Movement
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Second Movement

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The best kept secret in music

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"JazzChicago.net Review - 02/14/07"

Brad Walseth of JazzChicago.net said this:

Oh so funky, so very funky - this gem of an album from a young group of NYC musicians starts off with the very inaccurately named "Featherweight" - Matthew Tredwell's drums pounding out a heavy beat, while Thomas Shaw's Herbie Hancock-influenced keyboards jitter into reverb crazily. Bassist Justin Kimmel and Guitarist Mark Hanna play off one another and then David Caputo's glorious alto saxophone screaming launches the band into orbit. Reminiscent of funk jazz bands of the 70's like the L.A. Express, Herbie Hancock's Headhunters and The Crusaders - Second Movement works the groove to fill the dancefloor with bopping bodies, but also spins into left of center tangents that will blow the mind.

"Batween tha Sheets" follows and continues the trend of utilizing the funky guitar riffs against funky keyboard comps - into unison sax/keyboard line format that was in such prevelant usage with Tom Scott and the Brecker Brothers back in the day. Not content with merely employing the 70's techniques, however, these talented young players bring their own nuances to bear, resulting in a sound that is both fresh as well as respectful. "Moonlight Weightbelt" calls to mind Tower of Power's "What is Hip?" (not a bad influence at all) with it's driving bass line. It is hard not to move while listening to such hot, rhythmical music, and although the music was recorded in two days - giving it a loose jam-like energy - the interplay is extremely tight. For just one example check out the band's sudden change into the groovy outro on the aforementioned "Moonlight Weightbelt."

"The Hup" adds a delightful West African element that -while taking the band in a different direction - fits nicely with the proceedings; while "Spellbound" revists that sweet melodic 70's pop/jazz sound with good results. Throughout all the playing is tasty by all parties involved, especially saxman Caputo, and keyboardist Shaw - whose chords serve to frame the presentation. "Anything but Reason" is another snaky funk number (with a fun bass solo by Kimmel) reminding one of The Crusaders in their heyday; while "Ev'ry Man a King" surprisingly takes the funk on down to the square dance and nearly burns the barn down in the process.

Album closer "Mid-February Stress Test" (an apt title for our purposes) is a showpiece, wherein the band shifts gears so many times you can almost lose count, yet keeps the groove going ferociously. All the players shine, but guitarist Hanna, Caputo and Shaw again blaze over a tight- as-all-hell rhythm section. When they shift into their intense closing groove - it is a breath-taking, almost heart-stopping experience.

There have been personnel changes since the release of this album, but if the live mp3s from their website are any indication - Second Movement continues in their path of filling the dancefloor with an inviting combination of funk and jazz. And with an upcoming appearance at the 2007 SxSW Festival, and a new CD in the works, this a band to reckon with. - JazzChicago.net


"Hybrid Magazine Review - 02/07"

Jon Murray from HybridMagazine conducted a detailed review of our LP...

"I have to admit; the album cover threw me off. I never would have pegged Second Movement as a jazz-funk combo based on their collage of a barmaid serving drinks in the farming district of the moon. Maybe funk, but not jazz.

Despite judging the album by its cover, I was pleased to find Second Movement's self-titled debut a strong one. Established in New York City in 2003, Second Movement is a quintet comprised of guitar, bass, organ, drum, and alto sax. But, the band shouldn't be labeled strictly a jazz band, nor is it solely a funk band. Through the course of the album, Second Movement touches on jazz, acid-jazz, latin, fusion, pop, funk and they even delve into some soft jazz territory. Which is great if you're into soft jazz.

One thing is consistent: each song resonates a strong groove and a jamband vibe that takes the place of a normal jazz solo. The strong basslines initially catch your attention and make you listen a little closer. But, it wouldn't be accurate to put Second Movement in the same category as jazz-jam-funk band Galactic. Second Movement elects to revisit composed, melodic structures in each song and keep a reasonable leash on the jamming.

On most of the songs, the instruments are panned stereo left and right. This accentuates the interplay between the guitar, horn, and organ. The opening track, "Featherweight", is a great example. Only six minutes into the first song, the band has already found a nice groove before moving on to another style.

With a title like "Batween Tha Sheetz", you know you're about to hear either hardcore rap or slippery funk. Funk it is. Alto saxophonist David Caputo really digs in on this track. This song is in the style of fellow New York, acid-jazz-funk hybrid, Soulive. But, where Soulive has found a musical niche, Second Movement only spends five minutes.

"Anything But Reason" provides the perfect soundtrack for cruising the neighborhood or getting ready to go out on weekend. Guitarist Mark Hanna does a Santana-tastic job on this one. Tracks like this seems to define the intended direction of the band, as does "Moonlight Weightbelt", which is driven by a pulsing bass and a swirling Wurlitzer.

However, songs like "Spellbound" turn another direction. This track sounds like it was ripped off of a Mark Goodson game show. The instruments blend well… almost too well. It's understandable to reinforce the melody line, but occasionally three out of five instruments are playing the same hook, note for note. The result sounds compressed, like a sampled horn section.

"Ev'ry Man A King" provides another quirky style of music. The song starts off reminding you of a hidden world on Super Mario 3. Not long after, it reveals itself to be a goofy, fluffy track that would fit well as a sitcom theme song. It's not surprising that the band has already scored an indie feature.

Overall, the song composition is good, but at times, it seems the band might be restricting itself by conforming to the melody lines. There's a sense of anticipation for the next solo. And that's exactly where Second Movement shines. It's during these fat solos, where the group backs off, that give the songs space and texture.

You have to give Second Movement a lot of credit. They're not afraid to experiment with different styles of music. There's also an unmistakable energy to the group. Rhythmically, the album drives hard and I'll bet they're great to see live. It's not surprising they'll be attending South by Southwest this year. It will be interesting to see if they eventually settle on a particular musical direction down the road or if they keep on changing it up."

Check out the original review at HybridMagazine.com. - HybridMagazine.com


"All About Jazz Review - 10/24/06"

The cover artwork on Second Movement’s debut, showing a jovial woman serving beer steins, reflects the good times to be found on the disc. The New York City-based jazz/funk quintet’s objective of producing “Bopping Dance Floor” music is accomplished with good musicianship, a fun atmosphere and lively compositions.

Nine songs usher the listener into a groove-oriented setting as the band (which has been together since 2003) heartily performs an assortment of old and new school sounds with nods to the '70s on “Featherweight,” with its recognizable funky guitar/horn vamp, backed up by throbbing bass and drums and a Fender Rhodes keyboard echoing in the background.

The musicians manipulate the groove soulfully on cuts like “Batween the Sheetz,” where they hold the vamp and slowly stir in melodic imprints; this piece features a spicy sax solo from David Caputo. Tight arrangements and infectious beats are abundant here, and on the surface it would seem like the music has little depth. But it offers a surprise with a world beat enthusiasm on “The Hup,” which features a catchy South African rhythm and some artful guitar-styled plucking by Mark Hanna. He also provides an odd-metered yet memorable riff on the quirky boogie “Ev'ry Man a King,” which concludes with a sweet New Orleans drum-roll shuffle.

The strongest piece, “Mid-February Stress Test,” closes out the recording with heavy group interaction anchored by drummer Matthew Tredwell and bassist Justin Kimmel. It would have been nice if they had thrown in a ballad to break up the upbeat tunes, but for all intents and purposes this recording succeeds in delivering just what the doctor ordered for the weekday blues: a good party. - All About Jazz


"JazzReview.com Review - 10/27/06"

The exploration of jazz comes in many unique flavors and styles, one of which is a phenomenon known as jazz funk. Over time, numerous artists and groups have either performed or recorded this style of music to the betterment of the genre as a whole. For over 30 years, jazz funk was pushed into the mainstream arena by such notables as Grover Washington, Jr., Stanley Turrentine, Eddie Harris, Jack McDuff, David “Fathead” Newman and a host of other outstanding musicians. In later years, jazz funk has seen the emergence of Boney James, Everette Harp, Pieces of a Dream, Marcus Miller, A. Ray Fuller and Down To The Bone, just to name a few.

Throughout its existence, funk has been a quintessential style of jazz, even though smooth jazz radio has seen fit to downplay the music’s overall appeal. With that being stated, jazz funk has continued in popularity in spite of radio’s seemingly overstated ambivalence to its viability. As has been noted, the music just keeps on coming and the latest in a long line of funk practitioners is a group known as Second Movement. Their self-titled debut release is best described as a “groove-driven jazz funk bopping dance floor” excursion into sound.

Second Movement’s roots can be found in one of jazz’s most historic and most prolific points of origin. New York has always been known as one of the genre’s dominant focal points for jazz. Second Movement is merely following a long-standing tradition of excellence. Their debut CD is three years in the making and is filled with originality, while employing a rhythmic approach to fusion-driven funk and circumstance. There are eight beautifully written tracks of energetic formulated funk, all of which containing explosive melodies and underlying bass lines. Front the very first track entitled “Featherweight” to the very last, Second Movement makes a wide and varied statement that personifies the idea of jazz funk.

Since 2003 Second Movement has been progressively moving towards this debut self-titled release. In that amount of time, the band consisting of keyboardist Thomas Shaw as leader, as well as bassist Justin Kimmel, drummer Matthew Tredwill, saxophonist Heath Walton and guitarist Joe Young have been incorporating fusion and contemporary styles of jazz into a funk-oriented individualized message of their own.

This newest release is merely a prelude of things to come from this dynamic and rhythmically correct jazz group. What is most unfortunate about Second Movement’s influence on present day jazz is they may not get the widespread recognition they truly deserve. Traditional airplay may not see fit to highlight Second Movement’s overall appeal, however anyone within earshot of their sound will find music that they will just love to hear. - JazzReview.com


"Muse's Muse Review - 10/02/06"

Maybe I just don’t look and listen in the right places, but I don’t hear enough funk. So it’s karmic when a disc like Second Movement’s self-titled CD comes my way. The groove here is tight enough to make you dance, but the band can also veer off into wild and exploratory places.

The opening number, “Featherweight,” percolates from a nasty electric piano- and drum-led intro into a catchy sax hook. Keyboardist Thomas Shaw caught my ear here, first on his solo and then on his support behind David Caputo’s second sax solo.

Another track in this vein, but even heavier, is “Moonlight Weightbelt.” Drummer Matthew Tredwell throws down a serious beat, and after Caputo’s wild, squawking first solo the band locks into some meaty ensemble work.

Often, I imagine what a band’s live performance would be like as I listen to a disc, and I think “Featherweight” would make a great opener and “Moonlight” a fine closer to a show.

One of the early rock and roll pioneers, maybe Buddy Holly, once said that jazz is “strictly for stay at homes.” Well, several numbers on this album drift more toward jazz than funk, and while I can sit still and listen to those tunes, as an audience member I would prefer not to. On “Spellbound,” for example, Caputo, Shaw, and guitarist Mark Hanna all kill on spiraling, just-this-side-of-out-of-control solos.

“Between the Sheets” and “Anything But Reason” offer more of a laid-back soul groove. On “Reason,” Hanna delivers another remarkable solo, and Justin Kimmel steps out on bass.

“Ev’ry Man a King” is a fun number, with a sax riff than reminds me of a guy bopping down the street with a big, goofy grin on his face. It also brings to mind some great soul hits from the ‘70s, maybe something by Rufus. And then it jumps the tracks into a tension-building finale anchored by Tredwell.

The CD closes with a showcase, “Mid-February Stress Test.” Everything cool about Second Movement is thrown in here. Guys, make this song available on your web site. - MusesMuse.com


"eJazzNews Review - 10/28/06"

Second Movement is the new self-titled debut album by five New York-based musicians playing a jazz-funk style of jazz that’s geared to shake you up a little. This quintet consist of David Caputo (alto), Mark Hanna (guitar), Justin Kimmel (bass), Thomas Shaw (keyboards) and Mathew Treadwell (drums). The CD is essentially an offering of eight original funky tunes well grounded in a heavy up tempo rhythm and beat designed to illicit movement and not suited for the faint hearted.

With tracks titled “Moonlight Weightbelt,” “Anything But Reason,” and “Mid-February Stress Test” one should be prepared for a grooving, hard-funk power assault to your ears.
The music is very energetic, enticing and also includes a sprinkle of straight-forward nice and jazzy melodies as what is found on “Spellbound.” Unfortunately, the album notes do not provide much information on the players and the music leaving it up to the listener to take a gamble and take a listen to determine if this stuff is worth while.

Second Movement succeeds in providing fresh new material for those who long for that hard-driving funky taste of jazz. Loud, boisterous and bursting with energy, the album is an impressive beginning effort for this small combo. - eJazzNews.com


"Inside Connection Review - 12/06"

Forthcoming Review from December 2006 issue of Inside Connection:

Review by Steve Caputo

This new release from jazz/funk/jam quintet Second Movement is all about adventure in the groove. In a time where the jazz/funk attempt can get stale, Second Movement places a fresh approach to the genre. From the opening notes of “Featherweight” we are introduced to a brand of funk that goes that extra mile. Keyboardist Thomas Shaw has that “something old something new” resonance that gives this unit a signature sound. He can tickle the ivories with the best of them. “Batween Tha Sheetz” gives the listener a funk reggae type feel and shows off the Wes Montgomery type chops of guitarist Mark Hanna. “Moonlight Weightbelt” drives it all home and “Spellbound” pushes the envelope letting all out the groove drip out.

“Anything But Reason” is another funkafied cut. The band weaves in and out of the groove with catchy hooks and ability to let every member explore exactly how much groove is in their instrument. This is not always an easy task, but Second Movement flows through it with ease. “Ev’ry Man a King” possess the most pop feel on the release, but still holds that peanut butter and funk style from note one. The closer “Mid-February Stress Test” has a much more rigid sound and song structure but still shows that these boys from the NYC area can funk with the best of them. Smooth changes and very direct compositional style keep you right in tune with this four star release. For information and some samples go to www.secondmovement.com
- Inside Connection


"JazzReview.com Review - 01/07"

Talk about starting off with definition! Second Movement, a precise band that combines the electricity of acid jazz with the intricacies of fusion and sprinklings of smooth jazz, will capture your attention immediately either because of its intensity and drive or because of the delicate detail of its compositions. Using the backdrop of deep, smoldering drums and handsomely chorded keyboards (often employing lots of reverb and tremolo and occasional distortion), the upfront sax playing is presented with clarity and pride.

This group trumpets its mission of a “bopping dancefloor.” I like that very fitting description, because I can easily envision it. From the opening note, these guys are all over the style map, and you can dance to most of it! Track 1, “Featherweight,” is the absolute antithesis of its title. This is anything but a lightweight piece! Also, I’m not really sure what they actually mean by characterizing their material as “old school,” but I guess some of the sax solos can be traced to early straight-ahead jazz (hard to tell with the infectious, intensely pulsating, and demanding drums and overall aura). There’s even a touch of electronica here, but it blends in nicely. Of special note to me: Track 2, “Between the Sheetz,” has a really cool/funky and definable hook. Track 5 works the fusion link to the max, displaying some seriously potent technique. Track 6 is another piece full of nicely voiced funk.

As if this wasn’t enough, they graced Jazzreview with a copy of some tracks from their forthcoming album (untitled at this moment) to whet our appetites for what’s to come. Very consistent and easily likable. One point of displeasure for me would be the awful lettering on the group's CD cover (terribly hard to read!). This mainly matters if you like reading liner notes, as I do.

All in all, you can see yourself cutting loose on the dance floor on a lot of these selections…but you may also find yourself just marveling at the incredible depth and sense of measured urgency displayed by this group and their material. Look for a lot from these guys. - JazzReview.com


Discography

Second Movement (eponymous)
"30" Film Score by Second Movement

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

It’s no coincidence that Second Movement’s music was recently described as being “designed to illicit movement and not suited for the faint hearted.” After all, the band’s mission is to create a danceable environment.

New York City’s Second Movement (www.secondmovement.com and www.myspace.com/secondmovementmusic) began its journey into groove-driven jazz-funk in 2003. Having headlined festivals, colleges and clubs along the East Coast, the band has emerged as an energetic and original voice within the jazz and jamband scenes.

Second Movement is serious about its music – and critics are noticing. Recent reviews of the band’s 2005 eponymous debut album have yielded such comments as “a wide and varied statement that personifies the idea of jazz funk” and “succeeds in providing fresh new material for those who long for that hard-driving funky taste of jazz. Loud, boisterous and bursting with energy…”

The music also exists on film. In the summer of 2006, the band was asked to score an independent film for Nebali Productions. Over the course of two weeks, the band wrote, rehearsed and recorded eight tracks for the film “30.” While each track fits perfectly with the storyline, the feel is distinctly Second Movement.

Critical acclaim aside, these cats should be heard and experienced in a live setting. The compositional detail, the rhythmic focus, the burning solos – everything you hear on the recordings take on an even greater intensity during their live shows. The result is deeply gratifying, if not ecstatic – an exchange of positive, creative energies on a fundamental human level.