Bobby Christian - Vibe-Rations (Quad Reel to DVDA-V)

(review by Jason Ankeny) *** 1/2
This slight but charming date captures Chicago percussion maestro Bobby Christian eschewing the space-age arrangements of his previous LPs in favor of a lightly funky soul-jazz sensibility that showcases his mastery of the vibes. Blessed with all the rhythmic finesse and complexity of past Christian LPs, Vibe-Brations also reaffirms his skills as an arranger. The songs are warm but insistent, drawing judiciously on contemporary pop and soul idioms (including covers of Bobby Hebb's "Sunny" and Joe South's "Games People Play") to create a sound that's squarely of its time yet not at all dated. Original instrumentals like "Boogaloo" and "Mooganga" further underscore the album's lighthearted approach. Style certainly trumps substance here, but there's no denying Vibe-Brations' considerable appeal.