Release Date: May 21, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

Tony Marino’s 23rd release, The Funk Album, doesn’t just groove—it glows. Steeped in swagger, soul, and Marino’s signature musicianship, this record is both a bold step forward and a deeply personal retrospective that shows a master craftsman having pure, unfiltered fun. And the result? One of the most infectious and heartfelt funk records of the year.

https://open.spotify.com/album/0ta0Bx7RU2QGzY6DJ2WTRT

Long revered for his versatility—his catalog spans Bebop, Brazilian Jazz, Tango, Tarantella, and more—Marino brings all that experience into a single stylistic punch here. Drawing from the raw rhythmic backbone of James Brown, the melodic wit of Stevie Wonder, the theatrical flair of Rick James, and the swampy cool of Dr. John, Marino’s The Funk Album fuses tradition with personal storytelling in a way that feels fresh yet timeless.

Opening with the energetic “Would You Like To Dance,” Marino sets the scene for what plays out like a night on the town in 11 chapters. The track radiates disco-floor charm, capturing that first moment of connection—the nervous, exciting ask to dance—backed by a propulsive rhythm section and a keyboard line that simply sizzles.

Tracks like “I’m Serious” and “Can I Have This Dance” showcase Marino’s range in tone and tempo. The former is cheeky and assertive, with a bassline that dares you not to move. The latter slows things down with intimate warmth—a velvety groove perfect for a late-night slow dance under dim lights.

One of the album’s most evocative pieces, “The Deptford Tavern,” is a cinematic slice of Marino’s youth. It’s both a love letter to a beloved nightlife haunt and a snapshot of a generation’s social rhythms, rich with nostalgic sax lines and rhythmic shifts that echo bodies swaying on crowded floors.

Marino pays poignant tribute in “Dr. John,” a standout ballad that carries the spiritual grit of its namesake. Bluesy, mysterious, and layered with respect, it’s a love letter wrapped in rhythm. Similarly, “East River Drive” glistens with sunny sentimentality—reminiscent of family picnics and summertime radios—while “Wednesday Afternoon” captures the subtle psychological lift of a midweek exhale, blending funk with a surprisingly introspective undertone.

Throughout The Funk Album, Marino never forgets the party at the record’s core. “Lighten Up” and “Let’s Have a Good Time” are the reminders we all need: to keep joy at the forefront. The latter, in particular, bubbles with Billy Preston-inspired energy, complete with radiant organ riffs and feel-good grooves that would be right at home on a ‘70s soul revue.

Closing with the soulful, cigar-smoke-tinged “Cigars in the Garage,” Marino returns to personal roots—honoring friendship, memory, and the simple pleasures of life. It’s a gorgeous way to end the journey: mellow, reflective, and deeply human.

Verdict:

The Funk Album is more than a genre experiment—it’s a celebration of connection, heritage, and joy. Tony Marino’s deep respect for funk’s legends, combined with his own rich narrative voice and musical prowess, creates an album that is both danceable and meaningful. Whether you’re looking to cut loose or sit back and reflect with a smile, Marino’s got you covered. And in his own words: “Don’t forget to Funk!”—because this album makes that impossible.

Highlights:

“Would You Like To Dance”

“The Deptford Tavern”

“Dr. John”

“Let’s Have a Good Time”

“Cigars in the Garage”

Website: tonymarino.us

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0ta0Bx7RU2QGzY6DJ2WTRT

Author: Tina Smith | musicbaebee.com