RH Factor’s Hard Groove is a must listen. Soon, you'll be grooving till your bones shake. A totally underrated record, legendary jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove (the album name being a play off Roy’s last name) comes out blazing, accompanied with a plethora of soul-seeking sounds; two saxophonists, three keyboardists, two bassists, two drummers, and two guitarists. R&B and soul spearheads D’Angelo and Marc Cary to name a few take us for a treat. Rappers such as Q-Tip are also present. Hard Groove represents Roy’s vision in bringing the melting point of jazz, soul, R&B, and hiphop sounds to the mainstream. 

Roy is effortably stank, in a laid back funk style. In especially Common Free Style, Roy utilizes a wah-wah sound reminiscent of Donald Byrd. Various vocalists join Roy in later tunes like Forget Regret and How I Know, adding in a beloved soul sound. 

This album is less the production of an organized band but of a community of musicians who make guest appearances and add their styles into the music. Some tunes exhibit this large cast, giving a party-feel on tracks such as Common Free Style.

Overall, an important album to comprehend in the scope of contemporary jazz fusion music. If you are someone looking to dip their feet into jazz grooves, looking for new styles, this is for you. 

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