Gov’t Majik – The Dirty South Afro-Beat Arkestra

Gov’t Majik
The Dirty South Afro-Beat Arkestra
ShineNOLA Records

“The Dirty South Afro-Beat Arkestra,” is a fitting name for Gov’t Majik’s debut album. Gov’t Majik dedicates the album to the city of New Orleans and to all those who are rebuilding their lives. Majik not only returned to New Orleans post Katrina, but they became one of the most prominent jazz/funk groups in the New Orleans circuit.

Known for their intense and mesmerizing live shows, the nine-piece did it’s best to recapture that same energy on CD. Some tracks worked well and others not as much. The opener, “Welcome To The Undaground (Ballin…),” is an incredibly danceable number featuring jungle drums which later shifts to a more familiar funk-rock finish. The rhythm section takes the reigns on the hip-hop flavored, “Fo Sho,” while fuzzed-out guitar and tenor sax round out the funky creeper, “Hyde And Seek.” However, the band tends to hold back a bit at points. Sometimes it leads to songs remaining in the same tempo and mood, and this causes difficultly in distinguishing between tracks in some cases.

The band still manages to to create some unique and interesting music that is anything but standard. This album is a good introduction to Gov’t Majik, but check them out at a club when you get a chance.

- Richard Giraldi

"Gov't Agitator"


Originally published in OffBeat July 2007