Paying tribute to the Godfather of Soul is easier said than done. There's a reason why James Brown and The JB's are so legendary, their catalog so expansive, and their influence so far reaching. They were the pinnacle of funk, so it's easy to wave away covers and renditions of their hits as nothing more than that. The Soul Surfers, hailing from Russia, take the challenge head-on and turn up some fresh heat for your 45 stacks. Tribute To J.B.'s features two blisteringy-fuego drum-heavy takes of J.B. cuts from the late '60's - early '70's period. Side A, "Popcorn With A Feeling," is based on the track of the same name from James Brown's '69 release "It's A Mother", while the flip, "Givin' Up Food For Funk" is a psych-inspired take of the 7" single originally released on People Records. Packaged in a sleek picture sleeve, these tracks will definitely cut the rug for your next DJ gig or house party. Released by Ubiquity Records.

• music label: Ubiquity Records 2017

reviewed by Ralphy Corduroy 2/2019