BOOKER GEE Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Contemporary Hammond B3 maestro Booker Gee (real name Guillaume Metenier) has delivered some seriously good slabs over the last couple of years, and this wholehearted tribute to the JB's could well be the best of the lot. 'Popcorn' is a sparse but seriously heavy deep funk cut, with Metenier's inspired Hammond licks and solos riding a sweaty, break-fuelled groove courtesy of acclaimed modern funk multi-instrumentalist Slikk Tim. Over on the flip, the French musician and producer gives his interpretation of Sound Dimension's 'Granny Snatch', delivering a cosmic funk take full of weighty bass, flanged guitars, jazzy solos and deliciously dubbed-out sounds. It's not quite as instantly accessible as 'Popcorn', but it is certainly equally as potent.

Review: Guillaume Metenier is Booker Gee, a master edit maker and studio wizard who has made his name with some much wanted work on Lucien Entertainment as well as more than once on this label. His second release this month is a trip into the world of ska. 'Out In The Rain' is a perfect sweet spot between rolling reggae rhythms, warm organ chords and skipping kicks. The mood is sensuous and inviting as Gee blends sweet soul with playful funk. The version is only a subtle rework, resining plenty of the charm and allure of the original.