Deep Funk Soul Earfood. Uncover the Forbidden Fruit of jazz, funk, and soul with legends like Ingfried Hoffmann, Chuck Brown, and Soulive. Discover their groundbreaking impact.
Ingfried Hoffmann: German Jazz & Soul Organist’s Legacy was a key figure in the Klaus Doldinger Quartet in the early 1960s and the Rolf Kühn Sextet in the late 60s. His groundbreaking debut, Hammond Tales (1963), marked his solo career. Hoffmann transitioned from jazz to film and theatre composition in the early 1970s, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. — Chuck Brown, a towering figure in funk music, hit the top of the R&B charts in 1978 with the iconic track “Bustin’ Loose.” His debut album, produced by James Purdie at Sigma Sound Studios, showcased the raw energy and groove of the Soul Searchers, cementing his status in funk music history.
Soulive, the dynamic funk instrumental trio, blends danceable, organ-driven groove jazz with a contemporary hip-hop vibe. The group features Alan Evans on drums, Neal Evans on Hammond B-3 organ, and Eric Krasno on guitar, creating a fusion of classic soul-jazz and modern influences.
Calibro 35 – Cinematic Funk from Milan, began as a project revisiting obscure Italian 60s B-Movie soundtracks. Founded in 2007 by producer Tommaso Colliva and a talented lineup including Massimo Martellotta and Enrico Gabrielli, the band delivers a unique cinematic funk experience.
Lady Daisey brings a rich heritage to her soul and funk music, shaped by her childhood touring with her parents’ band. Her playful and versatile style ranges from sultry ballads to upbeat, old-school soul anthems. — Nik West: Rising Star in Funk & Soul with her debut album, Just in the Nik of Time (2015), showcases her impressive bass skills and powerful vocals. Despite initial resistance to her vocal prowess, she gained support from industry giants like Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, marking her as a rising star in funk and soul.
The debut project Tigallerro combines the talents of hip-hop/R&B veteran Phonte Coleman and soul icon Eric Roberson. This collaboration features relaxed, sun-soaked grooves and a lineup of over a dozen musicians, evoking carefree Saturday afternoons. — Curtis Harding, known for his work with OutKast and Cee Lo Green, has built a reputation for soulful vocals and powerful performances. His contributions to remixes and live shows highlight his dynamic presence in the modern soul scene.
Paulo Mendonça blends soulful vocals, dynamic guitar playing, and powerful drumming, creating impactful rock music. His production background enriches his band’s sound, making him a standout artist in the genre. — Brian Auger: Jazz Keyboard Pioneer. A London native, began his musical journey with jazz influences from American Armed Forces broadcasts. His track “Brain Damage” from the 1975 album Reinforcements exemplifies his innovative approach to jazz keyboard music.
Orgone – Funk Revivalists from Los Angeles, revitalized the funk and jam band circuits with their lively covers and original material. Their sound includes deep funk and 60s Memphis soul, earning them recognition in the funk revival movement. — Lettuce, a prominent New York funk band, is celebrated for their energetic live performances and groove-oriented music. Their members have achieved individual success while contributing to the band’s collective sound.
Roberto Conrado – Italian Beat and Soul Influencer, former drummer for The Go Karts and Gli Apostoli, also made his mark as an arranger for Renato Zero. His contributions highlight the crossovers between Italian beat and soul music. Aaron Neville, known for his distinct vocal style, is a key figure in the New Orleans sound alongside the Neville Brothers. His voice, compared to Sam Cooke’s, offers a unique and refined musical experience. — Robert Lee Burnside, known as R. L. Burnside, gained recognition in the 1990s with his crossover appeal in punk and garage rock. His collaborations with Jon Spencer brought his blues music to new audiences.
The Playlist
- Jingle
- Stroke It – Ingfried Hoffmann
- Bustin’ Loose – Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers
- Freedom – Soulive feat. Corey Glover
- Vendetta – Calibro 35
- Soul Strut – Lady Daisey
- Forbidden Fruit – Nik West
- Something – Phonte/Eric Roberson
- It’s Not Over – Curtis Harding
- U Got 2 Believe – Paulo Mendonca
- Brain Damage – Brian Auger
- Look-A Py Py – Orgone
- Get Greasy – Lettuce
- Milk – The Basic
- Omnifarius – Roberto Conrado
- Hercules – Aaron Neville
- Let My Baby Ride – R.L. Burnside
Related links:
Psyche Funk Italia (Italian Library Nuggets From The 60’s and 70’s)
The In-Kraut, Vol. 3