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Geoff Wilkinson’s Us3 project really did something special back in the early nineties when they reworked a sample from Herbie Hancock’s ‘Cantaloupe Island’. Like any band that’s so identified with one tune, Us3 have continued to record new material even though the popularity of ‘Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)’ remains their high point as it has turned up on countless compilations ever since.

Say What?! their sixth album and on this mix of hip hop, jazz and soul, Wilkinson is joined by US rappers Akil Dasan and Gaston (who were on last year’s Schizophonic album) and a new R&B singer, Adeline.

Adeline features on the first track on the album, ‘Say You Belong To Me’ and you’d never have thought that she’s only been in New York a couple of years. She’s intoxicating alright, (also try ‘Intoxicated’) and this album is surely going to get her noticed.

Where the jazz and hip hop heritage and Adeline come together best are on ‘Man On Top’, ‘If You Don’t Know’ and ‘VIP (Can You Here Me Now?)’

Talking of VIP’s, Akil’s appearance on Schizophonic has expanded his horizons as he’s been seen on TV with Missy Elliott; can you here me now, Missy? He’s also featured on The Fort Knox Five’s ‘Blowing Up The Spot’ and ‘ABC (Listen Up)’.

Much better is the conscious rap on ‘I Don’t Care’ that’s in stark contrast to the lite-jazz guitar-lick backing. When not working with Us3, Gaston (and his brother Wiseguy) can be found keeping the spirit of the Lyricist Lounge alive as they host the ‘Words’ night at Nu Yorican Poets Café (see links below). I wonder if this is where he honed the lyrics to the x-rated ‘Afrodisiac’?

Perhaps it’s the influence of Anthony Joseph, but I’m drawn more to the darker poetry on Say What?!, particularly, ‘The Day That I Died’ than the uptempo ‘I’ll Be Right Back’.

That said, there’s going to lots of folks reassessing Us3 this year, especially as this album is being released at the same time as Guru’s Jazzmatazz Vol.4. Time to listen up. Say WHAT!? indeed.

Live UK Dates:
13th & 14th September — Jazz Café

Hectic Mix nominations; ‘Afrodisiac’, ‘I Don’t Care’, ‘The Day That I Died’, ‘If You Don’t Know’ and ‘Say You Belong To Me’.

Reviewed: Us3 — Say What?! (Us3 Recordings) Cat. No. US3CD003 Release date: 11th June 2007

Tracklisting:
1. Say You Belong To Me (3:28)
2. Man On Top (4:34)
3. ABC (Listen Up) (5:16)
4. Afrodisiac (4:39)
5. I Don’t Care (4:16)
6. VIP (Can You Hear Me Now?) (4:36)
7. Truth & Lies (4:02)
8. Intoxicated (3:29)
9. The Day That I Died (7:03)
10. How ‘Bout It Baby? (4:59)
11. If You Don’t Know (5:11)
12. I’ll Be Right Back (4:49)
13. Money On My Mind (4:08)

Links:
www.us3.com
www.myspace.com/us3music
www.nuyorican.org THIRD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10PM $12.00 ($10.00 WITH FlyER)
HipHop & Poetry Showcase & Open Mic “WORDS” is hosted by Wiseguy & Gaston
Rachael Calladine — Life, Love And Gossip (Kwerk) www.kwerk.net
www.nickknowles.com
www.screamforme.com
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Dickinson