Urban Knights - Urban Knights IV / 2001

Due largely to the inclusion of trumpeter Ron Haynes -- a one-time Donald Byrd protégé -- the fourth entry by Ramsey Lewis' smooth jazz supergroup is reminiscent of Byrd's seminal 1970s recordings. While merely hinting at Byrd's proto-disco inventions, Urban Knights IV is nonetheless a modern update of the trumpeter's work with the Blackbyrds. Although this album is nowhere near as funky as, say, Electric Byrd, it does come off grittier than many albums by Urban Knights' contemporaries. There are real drums as well as programmed percussion, but the overall effect is one of relevant experimentation. There seems to be a connection, in spirit at least, to modern electronic dance music as well as the acid jazz movement. Beats are given edgy, angular guitar accompaniment via Norman Brown and orchestral flourishes replete with timpani hits. While star Lewis' keyboard remains in the background, he does seems to come more to the fore here than on past Urban Knights releases. Urban Knights IV contains its share of pop R&B vocal tunes, yet there are enough funky solo-oriented jams to pique the interest of most hardcore soul-jazz fans. The Urban Knights' sound has morphed over the years as different high-profile members have come and gone, but the group remains a balanced and engaging contemporary jazz powerhouse. With original compositions as robotically funky and quirky as "Clubland," "The Message," and "Hi-Heel Sneakers," the Urban Knights continue to demonstrate how this often limp and bland genre can be tweaked into vitality.