The second CD by Monsieur Dubois again guarantees a substantial portion of 'danceable hard jazz', as the band, largely from Rotterdam, puts it themselves. That term stands for an attractive combination of soul jazz, latin beats, now jazz and funk. The latter in particular is strongly represented on Soul Integration, but it cannot be otherwise when you invite Joseph Bowie as a guest. This singer and
… trombonist of the legendary punk funk band Defunkt is present on five songs with his characteristic dry vocals and crackling trombone solos. But the other members of Monsieur Dubois certainly also stand their funky man, for example in the Eddie Harris-like solos by saxophonist Bart Wirtz, the electrically distorted trumpet by Dirk Beets and the heavy drumming by Rudi Sanders. Compared to its predecessor Ruff from 2006, Soul Integration sounds a bit more compact, which certainly improves listenability (and danceability). A nice CD with a mysterious hidden track at the end. (HB)more