I’m always seeking fresh sounds that keep my attention. Bodega has my ear. The band cites influences ranging from Herbie Hancock, Fela Kuti, Weather Report, Talking Heads, Stereolab, Kurt Rosenwinkel, MMW, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, livetronica and beyond. Ropeadope’s site says “Bodega has always blended elements of funk, philly soul, jazz, breakbeat, and afrobeat to make their infectious grooves.” Those infectious grooves are in full force on their new recording Bounce! Bodega had a goal of capturing the live experience with Bounce! “The People have a craving for live music, music created in the moment, music created by the musicians from audience inspiration, music in which they are a part of the creation and experience, REAL music,” the band says. “Bounce! is our vision to unite those people, whether they are hip hop heads, beat freaks, jazz heads, ravers, old heads, rockers, festival travelers, and music lovers of every shape and background.”
Here’s a live clip of Bodega playing the composition that I’m downloading from Amazon right now, “Smirk.” Learn more about Bodega on their MySpace page.