While some older listeners (and younger ones as well) may be thrown slightly off-kilter and find it hard to apprehend exactly what Funk Shui NYC is about, it must be conceded that the New York-based ensemble in all likelihood represents the future of big-band jazz, or at least a sizeable and assertive chunk of it. The name itself offers an explicit clue, as Funk Shui is indeed heavy on the funk (rather less on the shui, whatever that is), as well as on other contemporary grooves such as rock, hip-hop, Afro-Cuban, doo-wop and even a hint of "free" jazz. Tempos are for the most part lively, group interaction sharp and seamless, melodies pleasing, solos lucid and resourceful.

As for the rhythms, they take their cue from present-day pop-rock, driving most numbers implacably forward behind the forceful volleys of drummer