Funk You

Song of the Day - Groove Collective / The Great Escape

This acid jazz outfit from downtown New York City was formed in 1990 by flutist Richard Worth.  Groove Collective has had 5 or so albums since then.  They're best seen live as their studio albums do not capture their raw live essence.

This particular song is off the out of print "Live and Hard To Find" album.  If you can find it I suggest picking it up as it really contains some great material.  "The Great Escape" is a wonderful track with keyboard licks that will knock your socks off.  Groovy!  This track sounds like it easily could have come out in the very early 70's.   

They just played this last weekend so it seems as they are still together in some shape or another.  Keep an eye on the radar to see if they're coming to your town.

[Download]
[Buy]

Song of the Day - Sam & Dave / Can't You Find Another Way

Samuel Moore and David Prater spent their childhood singing in church in the South. Their chance meeting took place in Miami at the at the "King of Hearts Club" in Miami in 1961. Their chance meeting lead to many highs and lows. The highs were the creation of some incredibly soulful songs. The lows, were creative indifferences, drug use and David's untimely death.

Their best years, albeit short occurred between 1966 and 1968. They released such greats as "Hold On! I'm Comin", "Soul Man" and "I Thank You". It's a shame that two guys who produced such quality work hated each other behind the scenes.

Enjoy this one off their "Soul Man" album. The drums and horns keep this one funky.

[Download]
[Buy]

Funk Night @ Sublounge

If you live near San Francisco then come on down to Sublounge this Friday 03/25 for a little soul clappin' and booty shakin'...Heck you may even get a chance to meet me.  I'll be wearing my Speed Racer T-shirt so feel free to introduce yourself.

>> DJ Ryan Polk will be spinning rare grooves and funk 45's
>> D.J.P. will be bustin' out with classic funk tracks from back in the day

That's not all...  how about:
Happy hour drink specials all night long: $2 beers and $3 well drinks!
... AND ...
No cover charge!

for directions and more info visit:
http://www.sublounge.com

Song of the Day - Parlet / Help From My Friends

Parlet was essentially comprised of back-up singers from P-Funk. George Clinton was their producer on each of their 3 albums. "Play Me or Trade Me", "Pleasure Principal", and "Invasion of the Booty Snatchers" have roots in Funk, R&B, Soul and Disco.

This particular song doesn't stray from the established vibe that the Mothership always brought. It's basically more of the same under the guise of female singers who in this case take center stage. This being said there is just something here that works. Maybe it's the keyboard riff or funk laiden backstage. The women of Parlet can also belt it out when not singing the reprise.

[Download]
[Buy]

Song of the Day - Roy Ayers / He's A Superstar

Roy Ayers, one of the great jazz vibraphonists of the 1960s and funk fusion greats of the 70's could take any subject and make it soulful and funky.

Let me start by saying that I'm not all that religious.  I am spiritual however.  This particular song praises Jesus Christ, the Superstar.  This song is so funk laiden and catchy it just makes you want to meet him, praise him and hang with him even if you're not religious.

Roy starts out with a diatribe, on corruption, destruction, and our fate.  The song then builds, and builds like a preacher firing up his congregation. 

Everything just works on this track.  The BPMs on this song are outta control as the drummer's beat is relentless.  The wah wah of the guitar never stops and keyboard baptises the rest of the song with it's groove.  Enjoy.

[Download]
[Buy]

Song of the Day - Fela Kuti / He Miss Road

Fela Kuti was the James Brown of Africa and the creator of Afro-Beat. Fela was born in Nigeria in 1938. His impact on the music scene was unmistakable. His politically driving songs are so powerful. The lyrics spoke of the common troubles Africans faced. He wanted a better Africa, one where human rights were the focus and the freedom of democracy would reign supreme.

His sound is unmistakable, his voice powerful, his band, talented. You cannot help but be drawn in by the might and forcefulness found in his passionate singing. Many of his songs would go on for what seemed like hours, each brining you on a journey. Like the up swell of a wave, each song would rise and rise until it crested. It is at this point in which Fela would leash out with the prowess of commander in chief, taking on any subject he felt important to take on.

This song's prelude is close to 5 minutes. He cleverly starts in with only humming to set the melody. Once this is done he breaks into a call and response with the background singers. It's monotonous but captivating, building into something that will hit you over the head like a ton of bricks. That crash hits you at about 10 minutes with the whole band raising up to add the exclamation point to the song, which in turn closes it out leaving the message ringing in your head. Did I mention that I love the keyboards. They sound like they're coming from a Casio keyboard but man does it sound just right.
[Download]
[Buy]

Videos of the Day / Sharon Jones

You would think Sharon Jones is a soul singer from the 70's when you hear her sing but you'd be dead wrong.  She started her career in the late 90's.  She has recently come out with a new album that is pretty smokin'.  Her record label, "Daptone Records" has some firey videos of her singing live, specifically the one of  her performing at The Knitting Factory.  You can also listen to her new album as well. 

Daptone has another artist you may be interested in as well.  If you're into Afrobeat, then check out Antibalas while your over on Dap's site.  They sound like Fela Kuti.  Nice. 

Song of the Day - Asiko / Hot Block

Here is a quick one for you. It's another great album from Ubiquity Records.  As with many of their artists, you will find hardly any information on the song or artist.  Same goes with this one.  Dig the keyboards on this one and the funky guitar.  Fresh like a moist towelette, I say.  This song has more of a funk fusion sound but it's not too far out there like most of the fusion that I've heard.  Hope you enjoy.

[Download]         
[Buy]