The album kicks off with the lush R&B groove "Yoda Mode." Singer Maiya Sykes delivers a rich, soulful vocal performance on this marvelous track. It features a sensational horn arrangement and some sweet bass from Hadrien Feraud (Chick Corea). Grammy-winning trumpeter/composer/arranger Philip Lassiter (Prince) delivers a superb trumpet solo, followed by some simmering organ from Ruslan Sirota (Stanley Clarke Band). The other players on the track are drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), guitarist Erick Walls (Beyoncé), and percussionist Jason Hann (The String Cheese Incident).
The album’s second track, “When The Juice Ran Out,” features a ferocious rock-tinged funk groove. The song envisions what the world would be like if the internet suddenly shut down and how we would cope with that reality. The players on this track are bassist Rodney “Skeet” Curtis (P-Funk), drummer Jack Irons (Red Hot Chili Peppers), guitarist Tim Stewart (Lady Gaga), and Fishbone frontman Angelo Moore, who brings power and urgency to his lead vocals and also contributes some killer sax. Curtis brings his usual groove finesse to his excellent bass work, and Irons keeps the funk level high with his powerful drumming. Stewart further enhances the groove with his fiery guitar work.
Maiya Sykes serves up some sizzlin' sultry soul on “Ain’t Nowhere To Go.” This cut is masterfully arranged and performed. It features an exquisite guitar solo by Tim Stewart, and Norwood Fisher (Fishbone) anchors the groove with an awesome bass line. The track also boasts a captivating chorus. The other players on the track are keyboard wizard Larry Dunn (Earth, Wind & Fire) on Rhodes piano, guitarist Bobby Easton (Delta Nove), percussionist Leon Mobley (Innocent Criminals), musician/producer Frank Mapstone on Hammond B3, guitarist Gemi Taylor (Mandrill), and drummer Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction).
Norwood Fisher sets off the high-voltage funk fusion jam “Birds of a Feather” with some vicious bass poppin’. The acclaimed bassist's skills are on full display on this amazing instrumental. This track boasts a terrific arrangement and sterling musicianship from all the players. And Tim Stewart lets loose with a magnificent guitar solo. “Birds of a Feather” also features a sensational horn arrangement, and Lee Allen (Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band) tears it up on drums. The other players on the track are guitarist Stefan Kallander (The Queen’s Guard), keyboardist Mary Francis (Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band), saxophonist Greg Hollowell (Asheville Horns), trumpeter Alex Bradley (Empire Strikes Brass), and trombonist Derrick Johnson (Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band).
“Super Galactic” is a cosmic slice of outré funk. This track has a unique, complex arrangement that’s skillfully performed by the talented players. Erick Walls lights up the groove with a dazzling guitar solo, and Grammy-winning multipercussionist/vocalist Justin Poree (Ozomatli) delivers a strong rap. Hadrien Feraud lays down a cold bass line, bolstered by some inspired drumming from Terence Higgins (Ani DiFranco). The rest of the track’s personnel are Sammie "Big Sam" Williams (Big Sam’s Funky Nation) on trombone, Ulises Bella (Ozomatli) on sax, keyboardist Todd Stoops (RAQ), trumpeter Andrew Baham, and percussionist Jason Hann (The String Cheese Incident).
The Getdown turns the funk up all the way up to 10 on the badass instrumental “Crispy Chicken.” This furiously funky track features an incredible horn arrangement and a scorching beat from Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction). Norwood Fisher powers the groove with a filthy bass line, and renowned New Orleans trombonist Sammie "Big Sam" Williams serves up a thrilling 'bone solo. The rest of the track’s personnel are Bobby Easton (guitar), Larry Dunn (Rhodes piano), Frank Mapstone (Hammond B3), and Gemi Taylor (guitar).
“Joy Rider” is an explosive high-adrenaline blast of funk-rock. The Getdown goes full bore on this exciting instrumental. The track is performed with pure power and funky precision. Jack Irons keeps the grooveblazing with his dynamic drumming, Tim Stewart unleashes some blistering fretboard fireworks, and Keith Anderson (Prince/Marcus Miller) drops three megatons of funk with a brilliant sax solo. This hot groove also boasts a spectacular horn arrangement and some smokin’ organ from Peter “Keys” Pisarczyk (Lynyrd Skynyrd/P-Funk). And Josh Paul (Daughtry/Suicidal Tendencies) kills it on bass. Trumpet man Philip Lassiter is also in the mix.
Rev. Desmond D’Angelo of the Soular System delivers a spirited vocal performance on “Feelin’ It,” a quirky, kinetic funk groove. The track has sort of P-Funk meets OutKast-type vibe goin' on. It features a cool bass line from John Heintz, and Jack Irons lays down a wicked beat. The rest of the personnel on the track are guitarist John-Paul Miller (Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band), Jack Irons (drums), Frank Mapstone (Rhodes piano), and Bobby Easton (guitar).
The album closes out with instrumental versions of “Yoda Mode,” “When The Juice Ran Out,” “Ain’t Nowhere To Go,” “Feelin’ It,” and “Super Galactic.”
Volume 3 is a strong collection that showcases the considerable talents of all the musicians involved in this amazing project, as well as Heintz's impressive production abilities.
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