10 years that The Rongetz Foundation is hanging around the five boroughs. 10 years of wonderful jazz tainted recordings (with: Gary Bartz, Gregory Porter, Corey Fonville, Ronnie Cuber to name a few) “stained” with the grit of soul and funk music that Rongetz (aka Stephane Ronget) likes to bring to the table.
This album, Alphabet City Music Club is a marvelous example of that stylish balance established in between, raw and sophisticated feel. The place of the recording first, Alphabet City, a genuine inner town in Manhattan that was for long time defined like this: “Avenue A, you're Alright. Avenue B, you're Brave. Avenue C, you're Crazy. Avenue D, you're Dead”.
Then the two sessions that are part of the album: One very much jazz-funk oriented with Corey Fonville (Drums), Corcoran Holt (Acc. Bass), Mathis Picard (all Keys), Morgan Guerin (Tenor sax. / EWI), Erena Terakubo (Alto sax. / Flute). The other one spreading soul music all around with: Homer Steinweiss (Drums), Jeremy Kay (Bass), Kyle Koehler (Organ), Morgan Guerin (tenor sax).
The two sessions, ultimately coming together with the help of talented young vocalists: Alina Engibaryan (Snarky Puppy), Vuyo Sotashe, Vanisha Gould, Lewis Parker, or Mr Day.
Mix all those elements in a rusty blender and you will enjoy the bootleg Bourbon, hard shake that is Alphabet City Music Club.