Alright, let’s dive into We Gave The Drummer Some by Specks Williams. This jazz-funk gem from the US, released on JAX Records, feels like a funky little time capsule that doesn’t try too hard to impress but still hits all the right notes. It’s got that raw, unfiltered vibe you’d expect from something made with soul rather than slickness. Plus, props to producers Dave Toma, Frank Leanza, and Vincent Toma for keeping things tight without overcooking it.
First up, the title track “We Gave The Drummer Some.” Man, this one sticks with you. It’s groovy as heck, like someone handed the drummer an extra cup of coffee before they hit record. The rhythm section is just locked in, bouncing around with so much energy it’s impossible not to nod your head along. You can tell S. Williams (who wrote the tune) knows how to craft a jam that feels loose yet deliberate—like those moments at a party when everyone suddenly starts dancing even though no one planned to. That drum solo? Chef’s kiss. It’s playful, unpredictable, and kinda steals the show, which makes sense given the song's cheeky title.
Then there’s “Specks Blues,” and wow, does this one pack a punch. It’s slower, moodier, and dripping with attitude. If tracks had personalities, this would be the cool uncle who shows up late to family gatherings but somehow becomes the center of attention. The saxophone work here is smoky and smooth, like it’s whispering secrets directly into your ears. It’s the kind of bluesy number that could soundtrack a dimly lit bar scene in a movie where people are either falling in love or plotting revenge. Either way, it works.
What I love about this album is its lack of pretension. These guys aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they’re just giving you some solid tunes to vibe to. And honestly, isn’t that what music should do sometimes? Just exist and let you enjoy it?
Random thought: Listening to this album feels like finding an old vinyl at a thrift store—you don’t know much about it, but once you play it, you realize it’s way cooler than half the stuff in your collection. So yeah, give We Gave The Drummer Some a spin if you’re into jazz with a side of funk swagger. It might just surprise you.
