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FUNKY MUSIC PAGE main page here
Good reasons for liking this stuff.
- Much `black music`, particularly that from the 1960s and 70s, has been greatly overlooked in several ways.
It is one of the most interesting areas of music history, from both a musical and lyrical standpoint.
The period in question: late 1960s - early 1980s. Roughly speaking, the period in black music history between
Jazz and Hip-hop, where the sound of FUNK, and fusion jazz, dominated.
-Often the cultural product of adverse social circumstances, a lot of this music gave those willing to listen a
view of the world which too many people still prefer not to face - that of socio-political injustice and simmering
unrest. It was created initially by people whose rights and freedom of expression were suppressed. For many, music
was a means to air grievances, and a forum for their voices to be heard. The arrangements reflect this: they
are usually fantastic, jazz-influenced, ear-catching chasms of sound. Examples are the horn arangements of
early recordings by Kool and the Gang and Earth, wind and fire.
-The chaotic and disturbed nature of the lives of many musicians due to adverse social situations has a
profound impact on their music. This often reflects highly charged emotions: note the eccentric, often
dynamic arrangements rhythms of players such as James Brown and George Clinton. Lyrics often followed a
similar vein: Hugh Masekela, Gil Scott-Heron, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, War and others point out numerous political failures in the society in which they lived.
Sadly, this experimental approach to rhythm and arrangement, plus much of the social comment in the lyrics,
were later edged out of the sound. Record companies produced a watered-down funk sound for a white
audience, commonly known as the `birth` of disco music. True, some terrible records were made, but that
genre too had its fair share of excellent basslines and rhythmic punch.
However the late 1990s and millenium has seen a reappraisal of the genre. Acid Jazz Movement helped. Acts such as The James Taylor Quartet and Corduroy pumped out solid funk grooves. Down to the bone and Guru still do so.
De Phazz and Royksopp and Erobique have some funky tracks in their repertoires. Fred Wesley and Maceo parker both released new albums recently.
To start with here are a few examples of quality funky sounds from roughly late 1960s - early 1980s, by musicians of all creeds, colours and nationalities.
NOTE: These lists are by no means exhaustive (there`s over a decade of great tunes to choose from...) and will undergo changes....
Some top `rare groove` records
1. Street Player - Chicago (1979)
2. Super Freak- Rick James (1981)
3. Bring down the birds - Herbie Hancock (1966)
4. Across 110th Street - Bobby Womack & Peace (1972)
5. Zeke the freak - Isaac Hayes (1978)
6. Feel that funky Groove - Gary Toms Empire (1976)
7. Always there - Ronnie Laws (1975?)
8. Horny - Martyn Ford orchestra (1976)
9. Camel Time - African Music Machine (1976?)
10. Soul makossa - Mandingo (1970?)
11. Expansions - Lonnie Liston Smith
12. The world is a ghetto (inst)- war (1980?)
13. Love rollercoaster - Ohio players
14. Stay out my kitchen (if you can`t stand the heat) - Bo kirkland &Ruth Davies
15. A groove will make you move - Jimmy Castor Bunch
16. K-Jee - The Nite lighters
17. Coffy is the colour -Roy Ayers
18. Aint that a bitch -Johnny guitar watson
Some downright funky records:
1. Jungle boogie - Kool and the gang
2. Shaft - Isaac Hayes
3. I gotcha - Joe Tex
4. Stuff like that - Quincy Jones
5. We are neighbours - Chi Lites
6. I wish / Superstition- Stevie Wonder
7. Watermelon man - Mongo Santamaria
8. Give up the funk / Mothership connection - Parliament
9. Ha cha cha / Movin` - Brass Construction
10. Pick up the pieces - Average white band
11. Ain`t it funky now - James Brown. (On second thoughts, insert anything from JB in the 70s!)
12. Get up and boogie -Silver |