It's somewhat difficult to take a band with an intentionally goofy
name like The Pimps of Joytime all that seriously. But you should
because the Brooklyn-based troupe can seriously funk your face and ass
right off your body. Seriously. Well, not literally, but you get the
point.
Fronted by guitarist, vocalist and all around studio hound
Brian J, the band, which features a live lineup as culturally diverse
as the band's sound, offers up not just a dance party, but a
sophisticated dance party. Funk-laced music oftentimes runs the risk of
falling back on the conventions of its genre, and while it's usually
skillfully played and danceable, some funk sounds poured straight out
of a can. What the Pimps do is spread their funkiness across a span of
genres including salsa, hip-hop and soul while Brian J ties it all
together in the studio with an edgy modern approach to his production.
The result is something that's unquestionably danceable, but often quirky. On the band's latest release High Steppin, songs like "Workin All the Time" sound like both Prince and Stevie Wonder, all in the same track. Other cuts like "Long Ride" have some New Orleans soul feel ingrained within punchy synthesizers and a steady driving Southern guitar riff.
The name might be on the strange side and music tough to pin down, but the Pimps should bring a hell of a party to the Annex.
The Pimps of Joytime
9pm doors, 10pm show. Wednesday, February 11.
The Annex (at Midtown Music Hall) 51 NW Greenwood Ave. $8. 21 and up.
