The Crimestoppers – On The Case
Music Maker Foundation
9 tracks/29 minutes
On The Case is the debut album for The Crimestoppers, a band that long-time backing vocalist Anthony “Amp” Daniels put together with members of the Vines family that he is member of. He first got them together to help him backing other artists, but their sound was unique and so cool that they realized they needed to go out on their own, and we can be thankful for that!
He had many talented family members to call on, but he singled out his daughter KeAmber and his niece Christy Moody to join him. They did well quickly as backing vocalists for Music Maker Foundation recordings, but it was evident they were destined to form their own band, leaving their Gospel roots pretty much in the dust as they branch out into their brand of classic and contemporary soul music. The songs here were written and co-produced by Jimbo Mathus, who is a Music Maker alum we learned to know and love from his success with the Squirrel Nut Zippers. Mathis also adds drums and keys along with guitar. John Kveen is on bass, Scott “Pace Goolsby is on guitar and Kirk Russell is on guitar and drums.
“Body Shop” opens the album. This is a funky and slick cut showcasing their vocal prowess. Amp leads the charge forthrightly, backed sublimely by his daughter and niece. “Shackled & Chained” follows, with Moody leading the effort as she testifies about being stuck in a bad relationship. KeAmber then gets her turn to shine with “Soul Provider,” a somber and mellow Gospel cut that overflows with emotion.
Amp leads “Sneaky On The Weekend,” a soulful piece that flows sweetly for the listener’s pleasure. Then we have “I Ain’t Feelin’ It” with Christy fronting the group. She growls out the vocals and gives us another impassioned and sexy cut to savor. The classic soulful sounds of “God Knows I Tried” is next as Amp and company lay it all out there in a deep and emotional track.
“Possession” opens with some funked up keys and then KeAmber on vocals with the guitar laying out a great groove grab you and won’t let go. It’s funky and cool! “Dirty Hustlin’” gets down with Amp giving us another passionate and lustful performance. The guitar rings and the bass and organ offer some funked up and ample support. KeAmber finishes the set for us with “I Got A Love,” a deep and soulful piece that makes you sway and flow with the music. Great stuff!
I loved this album from the start. This is a fantastic set of tunes that deserve you undivided attention. These are wonderful original tracks that are steeped in the tradition of great soul music. They leave you wanting more and more and we can nly hope that Amp and his family bring some more great music to the table for us to enjoy! This one belongs in your music collection– get a copy today!
