I was digging through some records today and would like to share with you some funky ones to start the week out right🕺🏾💃♩🕪💿
Al Di Meola
Sequencer
1983
Here is an interesting electro jazz fusion record that is accompanied by an equally interesting music video. This was the early 80s and musicians had no choice but to embrace the new technologies that were emerging. I'm thinking this record HAD to be a response to someone telling Al Di Meola that "Herbie made the most futuristic song and video ever and that jazz is dead for the 80s." Then Al responds:
Various Artists
Think About Number One
2004
Here is a 4 track compilation of different rare funk artists from the 1970s on the Sound of Champions label. This label put out a handful of compilations in a simalar vein back in the mid 2000s and they are pretty cheap if you ever come across them and are definitely chock full of funky goodness. Here is a cut by JIMMY JAMES THOMAS "I Can't Dance."
James Brown
"The Payback"
1973
I've been checking out this double LP again recently by the godfather and once more I question the fact that this album was rejected for a blacksploitation film for being "not funky enough." Who rejects James Brown?? I mean, this is 1973 James Brown, not 1989 James Brown. Everything this guy touches is funky -I mean, he rings his socks out after gigs and the sweat that drips out is funkier than anything you or I could ever do - and we just have to learn to admit it.
Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers
"Bustin Loose"
1979
Best known for the title cut of this record, this convicted murderer learned how to play guitar in prison! Wow, that sure isn't your typical bio. After he served his 8 years (said it was self defense) he could only play alcohol-free venues, as a condition of his parole. He now has a street named after him in Washington DC... You learn something new every day!
Thanks for reading, I hope you liked my post!