A tribute to the iconic bands and masterful musicians who defined a genre. Enjoy the ride through these legendary sounds and let the groove take over.
The mix kicks off with the sensational track “Canned Funk” from 1975 by Joe Farrell. This piece stands out as a masterpiece in groove, with a world-class collaboration between Farrell and guitarist Joe Beck. Joe Farrell, best known as a member of the original line-up of Chick Corea‘s Return to Forever, was heavily influenced by John Coltrane. The saxophonist also featured on Billy Cobham‘s fusion classic “Spectrum” and multiple recordings by James Brown.
In the 1960s and ’70s, hundreds of teenage funk and soul bands across the USA independently recorded and released their music, with most achieving only local success. These rare recordings have become highly sought after. One notable group from this era was the Soul Bros. Inc. from Houston, Texas, one of the most important funk/soul groups in the city until they broke up in the mid-’70s.
The fourth track in the mix is by Third Guitar, featuring their classic funk break “Baby Don’t Cry” with powerhouse soul vocals from Eddie Holloway. The Headhunters, best known for their collaborations with jazz keyboard player Herbie Hancock, contribute their killer funk track “God Make Me Funky” from 1975. Hancock’s debut album with the group, “Head Hunters,” remains one of the best-selling jazz/fusion records of all time.
Following that is “The Grade A” by Clifton White, featured on the beautiful compilation “Can You Feel That Beat: Funky 45s and Other Rare Grooves.” Another gem, “Slipped Disc” by Main Street, appears on the compilation “Get Down On It: Funky Soul Music.”
Joe Quarterman, an unfairly overlooked funk and soul singer, comes next. Known as “Sir Joe,” he formed Sir Joe & the Maidens after his time with the Knights. Then comes an unsung monster from the waning hours of the Stax empire: Roy Lee Johnson and the Villagers‘ eponymous LP, as funky as anything the label ever released. Their music boasts an unmistakable Stax sound, enhanced by tight, hypnotic grooves and scorching guitar licks.
Clarence Reid was honored as Artist of the Quarter at Funkologie on Facebook. The mix also celebrates the Danish dynamite band D/troit, especially for their powerful adaptation of AC/DC’s “Let There Be Rock.”
“Hot Wheels (The Chase)” by Badder Than Evil, featuring Al Elias and Angelo Badalamenti (under the alias Andy Badale), is another highlight, noted for its frequent sampling. The prog-rock band Hammer also makes an appearance with their funky track “Tuane.”
Bobby Keys, a rock saxophonist par excellence, is celebrated for his contributions to albums by The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, and more. He remained a touring musician until his death in 2014.
Lastly, Dynamite Cuts’ latest essential seven-inch single includes tracks from Chicago Gangsters‘ 1975 debut album, “Blind Over You.” The A-side, “Gangster Boogie,” is a heavily funk-laden track whose snappy drum break has been sampled in numerous hip-hop jams.
The Playlist
- Canned Funk – Joe Farrell
- Put it on him – Soul Brothers Inc.
- Baby don’t you tear my clothes – Little Richard
- Baby don’t cry – The Third Guitar
- God make me Funky – The Headhunters
- Upstairs on Boston Road / Part 1 – Sammy Gordon and The Hiphuggers
- The Grade A – Clifton White
- Slipped Disc – Main Street
- I’ve got so much trouble in my mind – Sir Joe Quarterman & Free Soul
- Patch it up – Roy Lee Johnson & The Villagers
- Miss Hot Stuff – Clarence Reid
- Let there be rock – D/troit
- Hot Wheels / The Chase – Badder than Evil
- Son of Shaft – The Bar-Keys
- Tuane – Hammer
- Fancy Dancer / Live – Commodores
- Steel from a King – Bobby Keys
- Gangster Boogie – Chigago Gangsters
An excursion in good taste and timeless music. by Funkologie on Mixcloud
Related Links
Can You Feel That Beat: Funky 45s and Other Rare Grooves
Get Down On It: Funky Soul Music
Sam
Great stuff!! Music and know how!!🕺🏽💥😃👍🏽
Michel Maillard
Thanks Sam! You’ve got a good taste too.