To many, the first encounters of Huba came after picking up other releases on the Jupiter label; albums by Fly and one by Teddy Rok Seven. This led many to the Quintessence album followed by Korpi Ensemble, the link? Finland ! Nothing could quite prepare many though for Huba's 12" release 'Mary' - heavy vinyl - heavy soul - heavy tune. Perfect music!
The word spread and all the right faces soon had this extremely soulful 12" in their collection, but then what? Well for many it all went a little too quiet for their liking until now when the album finally arrives. Delight, expectation, nervousness, enthusiasm, even celebration as the opening 'Mary' floods the memory banks with euphoria. So we sit headphones tight and volume... yeah! Just right.
Each of the twelve compositions blend beautifully from one to the next, no disruption, fantastic musicianship prominent and wonderful exciting ideas clear.... ouch 'Brave & Strong' smacks you centre face - invigorating soulful and powerful.
What next? Funky licks with 'Who's Got The Nerve', a monster of a tune that gets the pulses racing, and then jazz with the vocal stamp of authority that is Huba.
So what's the verdict? Well for those of you not familiar with Huba need this simply for 'Mary' - those of you that oh-so-big-step in front will die for 'Like Sly Says' and 'Summer Morn', but for many.. where the money is? Well it's all about 'Natural High' the most soulful tune since the year 1979. This gets full marks and then some.
Steve Williams (UK Vibe)