Josephine by The Lane Quintet: A Funky Detour Worth Taking
Alright, buckle up. This ain’t your grandma’s smooth jazz record or some overproduced pop slop. Josephine by The Lane Quintet is a raw, unfiltered blast of soul and funk with just enough pop sheen to keep it from getting too serious. Released on Bell Records (remember those guys?), this album hits like a shot of espresso straight to the veins. And yeah, Mary King’s vocals? She’s out here doing the damn thing.
First off, let’s talk about the title track, “Josephine.” It kicks in with a bassline so thick you could spread it on toast. The groove grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go—like that one friend who insists they know how to dance but somehow makes it work anyway. What sticks with me? That chorus. Simple as hell, but man, does it slap. You’ll be humming it for days, whether you want to or not. There’s something about the way Mary belts out "Josephine!" that feels both effortless and electric at the same time. Like she knows she owns the room even if no one else is paying attention yet.
Then there’s “That’s All You Gotta Do,” which slinks in like a cat eyeing its prey. This tune has swagger dripping off every note. The horns punch through like a surprise uppercut, and the rhythm section locks into this hypnotic pocket that screams, “Hey, stop whatever boring thing you’re doing and listen!” It’s got this throwback vibe that reminds me of smoky clubs and neon signs flickering outside while people inside are losing their minds on the dance floor. If I close my eyes, I can almost smell the stale beer and cheap cologne. Not bad for a song that’s basically telling you to chill the hell out.
What keeps this album from being another forgettable relic of its era is the sheer attitude behind it. These tracks don’t beg for your approval—they demand it. Sure, the production might feel a little dated now, but that grit gives it character. Plus, Mary King sounds like she’d knock you out if you didn’t clap loud enough after her solos. Respect.
But here’s the kicker—the whole thing leaves you wondering why this band didn’t blow up bigger. Maybe it was timing, maybe it was bad luck, or maybe the world just wasn’t ready for a group that played like they had nothing to lose. Either way, Josephine deserves more love than it gets.
So next time you’re scrolling Spotify looking for something real, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me when you catch yourself singing “Josephine” in the shower for the hundredth time.
