music
Jerry Velona’s new album, “About Funk In Time” pulls off a neat trick: the classics in this fourteen song collection like (I’m a) Road Runner, I’ve Got Dreams to Remember, and Shake a Tail Feather are remarkably faithful to the originals on an intrinsic level yet they all sound fresh and new; meanwhile, Velona’s original numbers like Dope Springs Eternal and Tight Little Suit have modern flourishes yet still feel like they would have been at home on a Best of the ’60s album.
But the real treat is in the details of each performance, by Velona and his band. On songs like It’s Alright or Mighty Mighty, you may be diverted from the melody by that funky bass part, until the harmonies grab you, which lasts until a sizzling lead guitar or organ part catches your attention, even as all the while the crisp layers of horns gives the song a propulsive momentum. It’s only afterward that you realize it’s the perfect melding of all these parts that make such a wonderful whole, just as it’s the entirety of the song cycle that makes the album so memorable.
What comes through on every song are Velona’s love of the music and his ability to put together a band that knows how to make not just music but magic.
Stuart Miller – culture and entertainment writer
Smoke Break
The Pack of Viceroys project was created along with my friend and killer musician David Minehan along with the amazing Debo Ray. Our mutual love for 60’s and 70’s rock brought forth 11 tracks – 6 covers and 5 originals guaranteed to bring smiles and possible noise complaints from the neighbors.
Love Radio
My 2014 homage to rock radio and probably my most personal album. Songs about personal freedom and accountability, growth, tedious bureaucracy, perseverance, and my hatred for getting out of bed. Including some of the Boston area’s finest players.
About Funk In Time
A tribute to my everlasting love of classic soul and funk. Covers of songs made famous by Wilson Picket, Larry Graham, Marvin Gaye and many more with a couple of originals thrown as well as a (rather random) cover of I Have Dreamed from the King and I. Yes, I really don’t care about marketing consistency!
Music
Little Child
Little Child
The early Beatles had a certain energy that jumped right through the speakers. I tried to capture that with this cover of Little Child. These days the song is probably more in the Country category but to me, it’s just rock.
Dream Girl
Dream Girl
This one hit #23 on the smooth jazz dot com chart and it was later included on a Yacht Rock compilation. Yay, genre confusion! Go figure.
It's Just As Well
It’s Just as Well
One of my favorite original songs. It’s about using discretion when you speak which is in short supply these days. Always thought this would be a great Dr. John song (RIP).