Black is the Colour...

This has got to be the PIMPEST song of all time...well at least in 1978. The jam by Wilbert Longmire enhances your mood exponentially! So it starts off with a thumpin' bass line making intercourse with smooth strings of chill.

And just like any sexy encounter, there will inevitably be the orgasmic howls of lady 'aaahhhhs' backboned by the thrills of Longmire's horn section.

So if you havn't started head nodding, yet, wait till the break down. As one of Cincinnati's great jazz guitarists, Longmire once again reminisces on a longtime memory of a "street corner symphony" (his first gig...) with yearning fingers hitting his fretboard with style. Packed with jazz/funk riffs, my man Longmire creates the perfect strut song...

Don't believe me? Try it out for yourself...

Next time you walk down the street corner let this street symphony fill you up with that supreme strut you've been meaning to do. Maybe finally someone will notice you, ya? 

Ok, it would be inconceivable for me not to mention the historic roots of this song...

So, given that Longmire was George Benson's best friend, and both guys were black, it can be assumed that Black is the COLOR of their choice.

Here it is: "Black is the Colour" in Longmire's debut album 'Sunny Side Up (1979)'

I Wouldn't Change a Thing

Let me introduce to you a philosophy shot into stardom by the banging beats of Coke...drumroll please...Escovedo!  

Asides from that brown, tounge-biting refreshment we call Cola, Coke may seem familiar to folks in tune with the rock band Santana.  Don't get me wrong, I think Santana is great! Yet, I get this unfamiliar feeling inside when you mention other members from the rock group (Coke was the percussionist). Mr. Escovedo, a.k.a Thomas, deserves more credit than a bongo lovin, hit-hat drummin kind'a guy behind the greatness of Senor C. Santana, you know?

It was in the year of my soulful infancy when I first synced to Coke's passionately made music. Actually, in all honesty, the moment when "I Wouldn't Change a Thing" graced my eardrums, I felt an immediate attachment and liking to the tune. Not only did it gave me the groove chills, but it also accomplished something way more...

"I Wouldn't Change a Thing" by Coke "Thomas" Escovedo from his album 'Comin at Ya'.

If you truly listen to the song, you'll understand the message of pure style and grace that is the soul. By highlighting the sacredness of our experiences and the importance of losing regret, Coke delivers to you a quick hit of confidence with lines of  a classic tambourine-bongo mix, and numbing gospel-soul vocals. This is an all out climax of a song with a pristine bass line, simple guitar exchanges, and that perfect touch of sexy sax...This funk classic has permeated through the bboy scene, becoming one of the most ultimate recognizable break beats out there.

However, I digress!

It is the lyrical beauty of this song that reverberates my soul becoming a personal confidence potion whenever life hits me hard. And often it does, so I tend to listen to this song more and more as worries begin to pile up. Flush out your burdens with the 'detoxifiyng' effect of this chorus:

Oh, I wouln't change a thing...

If I had to live my life all over.. oh baby.

I'd do it all again,

If I had to live my life all over.

Just listen...and learn that once again, the dance of romance will triumph. 

Water Brother

Slung by the legend Miles Davis in the mid 1960's as a prime time guitar accompaniment, Mr. George Benson slowly evolved into something more...

Initially influenced by the strings of jazz movements, Benson incorporated his soulful riffs into lively funk ticks, making him somewhat of a transcending artist, someone who was able to mix jazz guitar in the exuberance of the funk genre. He was quite the player, for he was content in breaching a variety of styles including soul, R&B, Pop, but most importantly funky jazz!!!

This song is titled "Water Brother" by George Benson, from his 1969 album...Tell It Like It Is.

Slackin...already?

So the new year has been really a rush for all of us, yah? Well, for me it has. The great thing about my lagging updates is the enormous amount of anticipation for all the great music I have in store for you!!!!

Just to give you a hint, heres a classic before I post a series of funk sensations...

It's time to GET ON THE GOOD FOOT by James Brown...

This youtube live version is a bit more uptempo, and personally i think it's a lot more hype. 

Now that school's begun, I think its important for everyone to listen to this song for the uplifting reminder it shares.

According to the urbandictionary.com, this song has been translated to a southern colloquial expression for getting things done, a.k.a:

To begin a task, pronto. To get moving, get crackin', get your ASS in gear.

So as a tribute to the great Mr. Brown, I feel it is appropriate for everyone to get on that good foot of discovery in life, music and love.

Good vs. Evil

"Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch

I know, I know...it's kinda cheesy, but oh well! I actually like this song. :) It is such a sweeeeet sensation.

vs.

"Evil Vibrations" by the Mighty Ryders

Its such a disco delicacy! But if you are in for some more tasty treats, listen to the re-cooked version by:

Personally, I like the newer version. It brings a spicier tempo, to an already delicious track!!! My soul's taste buds say this version kicks it up one notch higher!!!

"Evil Vibrations (remake)"  by Los Angeles one and only - The Rebirth

Music is truly the Message...

It's true...life is a gamble. But there is always one bet you can always wager on: and that's the sounds of joy to your ear known as FUNK. 

And you can always count on the 'Kool & the Gang' to prevail in times of musical deprivation.

Captivated by the sounds of Miles Davis and James Brown, this dynamic group began as a teenage love affair with music. Housed by the Jersey City Projects, the seven-member funkites learned the sound well in a urban setting that allowed expression through soul. In 1969 they began their soul search with a forceful display of horns, well placed bass lines, and unforgettable guitar riffs. 

"Music is the message that sings universal love for all!!!!"

True dat. and Dont forget to DANCE!!!!

 "Music is the Message"

Oh the things I love!!!

During one of my recent Youtube surf trips,  I came across the featured video titled "Parkour Generations: City Gents"...

Oh how quickly I fell in love with the ENTIRE video.

Asides from the jamming track used, It would be a safe assumption to say that everything I love is captured in this quick film.

Just to list a few things I noticed:

1. First the kickass song...Butterfly Dub by Protassov
2. The amazing parkour (a hobby pastime i sometimes indulge in)
3. The slick gent(leman) attire- the suit getup was clean...and to stunt in em? Funky!
4. The clever scenario- an urban setting, gotta love it!
5. Cross trainers and suits...I'm jackin' that style

Heres the only version of the song I found...it was in this pretty chill mix from properlychilled.com called: Propercast: Episode 1: An introduction to Downtempo Sounds of Properly Chilled.  (properlychilled.com)

Rigor Mortis

Derived from mid 19th century Latin lexicon, the term Rigor Mortis has inspired the funk band 'Cameo' to deliver a powerful lesson for all those suckers not throwing it down on the dance floor. 

The term is defined as 'stiffness of death' caused by the stiffening of muscles and joints of the recently deceased. The process usually takes 1 to 4 days...but can sometimes last a lifetime.

You know who they are...

Similarly, a living person can suffer the same consequences of their perished kin. Caused by the intimidation of a thriving melody, a pumping crowd and a desperate dance floor, these non-boogie brats haunt every house party, dance club, and even dance sessions themselves.

There is nothing more disappointing then an unwilling lady to get down for the get down...

What a perfect way to put a fox on blast...

Attention DJ's: If the crowd sucks, which tends to happen frequently now a days...please put this SONG on.

The Champ

Fronted by "The Champ" himself, Alan Hawkshaw plays the organ with wonderment.

 With no doubt you hip-hop heads have heard this funky sound...it's been sampled and emulated quite a bit. 

like KRS-one's "Step into the World" :

and Maestro Fresh's "Let Your Backbone Slide":

Brazilian Love Affair

This is the only thing I think of when I jam out to this track:

Adriana Francesca Lima=

Enough said...and you'll see why (I know Mr. Duke shares the same sentiment!!!)

"Brazilian Love Affair" by George Duke

This is one sexy track...

The Moon People

If Xtina Aguilera got her hands on this classic...why shouldn't you?

In her hit "Ain't no other Man",  Aguilera samples  "Hippy, Skippy Moon Strut" by the Moon People to create a pop song reminiscent of that old school soul. Here's to that amazing horn section and the rallying cheers for a  "Hippy, Skippy Moon STRUT!!!"

Monkey Tamarind

I don't know what they were thinking in 1971, but it really doesn't matter. All I know is that the funk band called The Beginning of the End thought of two things I really enjoy:

Monkeys and Tamarind

 +

(for those of you who are not aware: Tamarind (a.k.a Tamarindo) is the main ingredient for Mexican CANDY) and I love mexican candy...

Just like the objects above, this song combines the sweet and sour wonder of tamarind with the funky loving of a monkey!  Check it out yourself...and don't worry, the song won't make you itch for real. 

"Monkey Tamarind" by The Beginning of the End

The Nite-Liters

Taken from K-Jee: Golden Classics by the Nite-Liters.

One word- momentum.

 This song starts of with a classic build up...so if you ever need to get hype for anything, just groove with The Nite-Liters!  

By mid-way, you'll be coasting to the horns and ready to have an amazing night.

Note to Listener: this jam is perfect for getting dressed and getting ready to party!!! 

"K-Jee"

Seconds

This song is amazing!!! You really need to hear it to experience the disco love vibes pouring out of this track. Let it play the whole way through...and watch your head nods sync up to the soulful beat. Your ears will be begging for seconds!

 I can't get enough!!! Must have seconds of your Love!!!!

Seconds by SalSoul Orchestra

Potential

There comes a time in everybody's life when a special someone flatters your soul, or at least you think so. It always happens to the best of us, you know... when your mind entertains that dialogue with your soul. Sounds a bit like this:

"Wow, I've never met anyone like this girl!?! Damn, she's got potential..."

Every time this happens, think of the Jimmy Castor and his beloved 70's soul crew. Here is a song that reflects the taste of possibility:

"Potential" by Jimmy Castor Bunch

Funky Good Time

We all know who James Brown is. He is no doubt the face of funk. His name alone represents a rich and vibrant history of a music that will forever rocksteady in the hearts of those who love funk and soul. If you don't know, then find out. 

"Funky Good Time" by the Godfather James Brown

I love this song! because it never fails to remedy my inner city blues. As the song elevates and 'gets higher', it is bound to take your mood along with it to a climax of funky goodness. 

 Whenever you feel sad and blue, just remember to stay true and have a funky good time!

You Got to Funkifize

The song "You Got to Funkifize" by Tower of Power really sets the tone for this blog: I'm telling you right now, You Got to Funkifize! 

As an anthem for all funky souls, this tune remains as a constant reminder to always move to the music and never abandon that dance floor! Whenever I hear this jam, I get slapped in the face by the lyrics. The message of this song has become a saving grace for those who often forget the power of funk and soul, and the salvation it brings. Don't you know its in your soul? I hope so...