Casbah 73 - Pushin' Forty

Convention kills creativity. Casbah 73’s second album shows that he fully understands this creed, combining his strong sense of musical roots with a healthy eclecticism. A soulfully fresh blend of jazz, disco, latin and electric soul, highlighted by a punky irreverence for styles and genres, "Pushin’ Forty" is also a great leap forward for the artist. Conceived in the studio, the results are nevertheless a totally natural mix of instruments and samples, combining his musical talents and technical skills with the welcome new addition of vocals, including several contributions by Casbah himself. Surprisingly organic, extremely danceable, this is a rewarding collection of songs the listener can identify with, not a grab-bag of random studio knob-twiddles.
Opening number "Freshly Squeezed!" kicks things off in style, with a hip-popping groove which won’t quit, featuring none other than Majka Edjo of Sweet Vandals fame laying down some liberated funk as only she can. And while we‘re talking party (we are!) "El Trafico Jam" is a slice of funky afro-disco hotness already slaying dancefloors everywhere with that instantly recognisable car horn sax riff.
Elsewhere, on "Welcome To The Casbah" we have underground NY rap legend Prince Po (who formed rap´s legendary Organized Konfusion with Pharoah Monche), spitting out some fresh & fiery rhymes in an uptempo style unlike anything he‘s done before. Up and coming New York singer Mariella Gonzalez shows she is a name to watch out for. Providing the vocals for “Vinyl Junkie”, she combines sassy soul with a raw funky delivery, even rapping at one point on the joys and pitfalls of a life spent digging in the crates.
Big bad basslines and funky beats, deep rhythmic journeys, trippy soul grooves or breezy skipping jazz vibes, it‘s all here. "Pushin’ Forty" is a reflection of Casbah 73‘s extensive musical background, a journey which is clearly gaining momentum. So it’s three cheers for those who celebrate life through music, "Pushin’ Forty" - because life’s too short for microgenres!