P-Funk Live combines musicianship and spectacle better than anyone. They released a line album in 1977, but to really get the full experience, I linked a video of a performance from the same tour. If Curtis-Mayfield-In-An-Intimate-Jazz-Club isn't my #1 dream concert, mid-70s P-Funk is. Parliament - Live: P Funk Earth Tour YouTube Link
Curtis Mayfield at a small, intimate jazz club might be #1 on my dream concerts list. Direct your ears to how much these songs sound like their studio version. Curtis' songs always had sort of a live feel to them, and the band is so tight that this doesn't feel like it's possible that this … Continue reading Curtis Mayfield – Curtis/Live!
I'm gonna post a few live albums this week, since I've only posted one, I think. What it will essentially amount to is a list of concerts that make me wish time travel was possible so I could go back and see them. The first one is the Ohio Players' "Live 1977." I saw them … Continue reading Ohio Players – Live 1977
Supporting the music you love is important. Back in high school, I would download all my music for free and say, "They're rich, I'm broke, they don't need my money." Donuts by J Dilla changed my views on that. That album had such a profound effect on my life (that story is for a future … Continue reading Exploring My Vinyl Collection
I've said here before that Curtis Mayfield personifies the soul/funk sound better than anyone. In 1972, Mayfield was tasked with giving that sound to a movie called "Superfly." The result is the best toeing of the soul/funk line that Mayfield ever achieved in his legendary career, 37 minutes of bliss. "Little Child Running Wild," "Freddy's … Continue reading Curtis Mayfield – Superfly
'It's the season for the "Christmas music sucks" takes. To anyone that feels that way, I'll counter with you're just not listening to the right versions of these songs. I get being tired of all the same versions that play in every store, but there is plenty of quality holiday music out there. Take this … Continue reading Bootsy Collins – Christmas Is 4 Ever
Here's my playlist for the holidays. Covers: Jackson 5 - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Otis Redding - White Christmas Tuxedo - Wonderful Christmastime Bootsy Collins - Winter Funkyland Originals: Donny Hathaway - This Christmas Stevie Wonder & Andra Day - Someday At Christmas William Bell - Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday Clarence … Continue reading Soul/Funk X-Mas
