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It’s all very well having a massive hit like ‘Happy’ (you know the one that goes “Happy baby”) and Sunday Best thought so when they signed up Max Sedgley expecting hit after hit after hit (remember From The Roots To The Shoots and the Bestival live set?). Roll on 7 years and Roni Size’s former drummer finds himself signed to Jalapeno Records (home to our favourite Dr. Rubberfunk, Kraak & Smaak et al) and a fresh ‘n’ funky new album

In fact, it’s very Dr. Rubberfunk in look and feel; soulful, funk tunes with guest vocalists

The opening track ‘Something Special’ is going to be the single which is a good choice but I wonder if ‘What’ve I Got To Do’ would have been better; belting vocals of Tasita D’Mour and heavyweight horns, percussion and organ as funky goes d’n’b.

What with Sedgley’s experience as a drummer, DJ, band leader and producer, he knows how to move the dancefloor and has produced a varied album to do just that. ‘Be Good 4 Me’ updates 80s soul and ‘Whatcha Doin’ does the same for Sugar Hill Gang/De La Soul rap (with the assistance of guest rapper Tor). For retro heads these are another couple of fantastic tracks; far better than ‘Something Special’ in my book.

On the dreamy trip-house breaks tip there’s ‘Now I’ve Found You’ that’s sub-Pete Tong (eh up; it’s a bit of a grower this one) but I suppose what Jalapeno were after is another malagueta (that’s a very hot pepper) to follow up the ‘Happy’ anthem. Well, ‘Superstrong’ is very Jamiroquai and whilst HSBC radio might play Jay K like he was as relevant today as he was 20 years ago, they’re not going play this as they are bankers by definition; even though this is better than the man in the big hat in MHO.

And taking of influences, think Cameo, Rose Royce, Shalamar for ‘All Around Me’ that really suits D’Mour’s vocals - it’s a 6Music/Sunrise Radio favourite and it’s not even out yet!

It’s good to have Mr. Sedgley back and the only thing that lets this album down is the cover; I just don’t get it. Thankfully the music is first class and that big one? - World Cup to Beach Bar, ‘Life’s A Beach’ is like Baleraic Sun Circle - ohhhhh, big summer tune. Now I’m Mr. Happy, LOVE it!

Reviewed: Max Sedgley - Suddenly Everything (Jalapeno Records) Cat. No: JAL 93 Release date: 7th June 2010
Tracklisting:
1 Something Special (6:04)
2 Hey Mr. Superstar (5:10)
3 Sound Boy (4:09)
4 What I’ve Got To Do (5:21)
5 Be Good 4 Me (5:26)
6 Whatcha Doin’ (4:09)
7 Now I’ve Found You (6:54)
8 Superstrong (6:03)
9 All Around Me (4:33)
10 Life’s A Beach (7:47)

Links:
www.myspace.com/maxsedgley
jalapenorecords.com
www.myspace.com/jalapenorecords
Richard Lever (25 May 2010, 12:37)
Heard “life’s a Beach” on the Jazz FM late night show. It’s completely blown me away. If that’s indicative of the standard, then I need more, when’s the albumn due out?!