Rob’s Album Of The Week: Lettuce’s Resonate

The feeling of positivity that comes from funk music is hard to explain. Where does it come from? The dynamic rhythms? The bombastic horns? The cool bass lines? It might come from all of these but it can’t be disputed once you have a bunch of people groovin’ to the tunes. Maybe some funk is what we all need these days to help us deal with this current calamity we’re all in. Thankfully, Boston funk masters Lettuce released their seventh album, Resonate, via Round Hill Records on May 8. It’s brings an excellent sound with numerous build-ups and transitions while letting the energy flow at a steady pace.

What separates Lettuce from a lot of their contemporaries is how they’re willing to include different things into their sound. Psychedelia, electronica and hip hop are definitely noticeable along with the horns from saxophonist Ryan Zoidis and Eric “Benny” Bloom” on the trumpet. Nigel Hall’s skills on the keys are the sonic ganache while bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes and drummer Adam Dietch create the rhythmic cake. An understated part of the band’s music in the record is guitarist Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff’s riffs. There are some progressive rock and jazz influences that stand out without being too overbearing on the ears.

While the COVID-19 outbreak puts more people in the hospital daily, the rest of us who are staying safe and healthy find…