Haunted by the groove
Strap in, music fiends, because Big Soul’s Black River Boogie is a sonic Molotov cocktail that explodes with gritty funk, bluesy swagger, and a rock ‘n’ roll pulse that could wake a coma patient. This track, ripped from their 2001 album Funky Beats, is a masterclass in groove synergy, where trashy guitar riffs and a rhythm section tighter than a hipster’s skinny jeans collide to create something gloriously unpolished yet undeniably infectious. Big Soul, formed by bassist/vocalist Caroline Wampole, guitarist Kelleth Chinn, and drummer Dean Jenkins, carved their name in the underground scene of Los Angeles and San Francisco, hustling self-recorded albums for a ten-spot at sweaty club gigs. It wasn’t until a serendipitous moment when a French tourist snagged one of those CDs that their sound caught fire across the Atlantic, thanks to Paris DJ Jacque Dumas spinning their tracks like “Hippy Hippy Shake” and “Le Brio” into club anthems. Black River Boogie is the kind of song that proves why that tourist’s impulse buy changed the game.
From the first note, Black River Boogie grabs you by the collar and drags you onto its dancefloor. The opening guitar riff, courtesy of Kelleth Chinn, is a snarling, fuzzed-out beast, think of it as a lovechild between Jimi Hendrix’s raw edge and the Black Keys’ garage-blues grit. It’s not just a riff; it’s a statement, dripping with attitude and just enough distortion to feel like it’s been dragged through a Louisiana swamp. Chinn’s guitar work here is deceptively simple, built around a E-major backbone that struts with a joyous, almost reckless energy. The riffs don’t just play notes; they swing, locking into the groove like a key in a well-oiled lock. This is no accident, Big Soul’s years grinding it out in dive bars honed their ability to make every chord feel like a punch you’re happy to take.
This band gave off exceptional energy, whatever the size of the stage. I always thought of Big Soul as dynamite, as “Really Big Concentrated Rock”.
(Jean François Vibert, 2007)
Now, let’s talk about that groove, because this is where the magic happens. Caroline Wampole’s bassline is the heartbeat of Black River Boogie, a slinky, relentless pulse that moves like a panther stalking its prey. It’s not just about keeping time; her bass weaves a funky foundation that’s both hypnotic and propulsive, giving the track its irresistible sway. Add Dean Jenkins’ drumming, crisp, percussive, and packing a backbeat that hits like a sledgehammer, and you’ve got a rhythm section that doesn’t just support the song; it drives it. The synergy here is alchemical: the bass and drums create a pocket so deep you could lose your wallet in it, while Chinn’s guitar riffs dance on top, alternating between sharp, staccato jabs and soaring, melodic flourishes. It’s like the trio is having a musical conversation, each instrument egging the others on, daring them to push harder, groove deeper.
What makes Black River Boogie stand out is how it balances raw spontaneity with meticulous craft. The song’s structure is loose enough to feel like a jam session caught on tape, yet every element is perfectly placed. Take the bridge, where Chinn’s guitar takes a brief, searing solo, nothing flashy, just pure, bluesy soul that cuts through the mix like a switchblade. It’s a nod to the band’s roots in the blues, but filtered through their unique funk-rock lens. There’s a moment, about two-thirds in, where Wampole’s vocals (a sultry, commanding force) drop out, letting the instruments breathe. It’s here you feel the band’s chemistry most vividly: the way the guitar and bass trade riffs and runs, like old friends finishing each other’s sentences, while Jenkins’ cymbal crashes punctuate the groove like exclamation points.
Anecdotally, it’s said that Big Soul’s early gigs were so electric they’d sell out their merch table before the encore, with fans clamoring for more of their unfiltered energy. Black River Boogie captures that live-wire vibe, bottling the sweat and soul of those club nights. The track’s infectiousness lies in its refusal to overthink, much like the band’s ethos, it’s about plugging in, letting loose, and riding the wave. The interplay between the guitar and rhythm section feels like a musical high-five, a testament to a band that spent six years toiling in obscurity before their big break. It’s no wonder a track like this caught the ear of a Parisian DJ; it’s got that universal strut that transcends borders.
In a world where music can feel overproduced and sterile, Black River Boogie is a glorious reminder of what happens when three musicians lock in and let the groove do the talking. It’s not just a song; it’s a vibe, a state of mind, a call to crank the volume and shake your hips until the neighbors complain. Big Soul may not have rewritten the rulebook, but with Black River Boogie, they’ve given us a track that’s as timeless as a well-worn leather jacket and as fresh as the first time you heard it. Plug in, press play, and let the boogie take you down the river.
