^Groove^ <1.3>
Gilles Bacon
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Not just any groove mind you. I'm talking Groove's groove! Richard "Groove"
Holmes that is. Most people agree, his peers and fans of the organ alike,
that Jimmy Smith is the king of the organ. And while he didn't shy away from
the Funk, Groove *was* the Funk (IMHO!).
This newsletter is dedicated to the organ, the Hammond B-3 especially, and
the funky music its players recorded in Blues, Jazz, Funk, and these days,
Acid-Jazz. If you're looking for a great source of info on the B-3, the
Nov. '91 issue of Keyboard was dedicated to Hammond organs.
Some of my favorite themes use an organ: the Knicks' rally music, ESPN's music
during some score updates and the Cartoon Network's theme among others. ;) I
also noticed several commercials with the Hammond (Blues tunes).
Table Of Contents
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Hammond
Jazz
Blues
Jazz-Funk
Funk
Acid-Jazz
Contributors
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Why is the Hammond such a funky instrument? I don't know, but I'm looking for
answers. So if you have a pet theory, some historical facts, etc., please
e-mail me and I will include it.
History
^^^^^^^
Laurens Hammond invented his electric organ in the early 30's, and also
patented 3-D movies and missile control systems. He was an engineer who did
not play an instrument. He was jealous that the Leslie company built better
speakers for his organs than his own. The Hammond "organ" was introduced at
the Industrial Arts Exposition on April 15, 1935 by the Hammond Clock Co. of
Chicago (now Hammond Suzuki USA, Inc., Lombard, Ill., 708-620-6633).
The Hammond was marketed as an organ which could produce the pipe organ sound,
but didn't weigh/cost as much as the church itself. It was relatively small
in comparison to other organs (Wurlitzers). Thus it was also a less expensive
organ which made its way into inner city churches. This is where its use in
spirituals and gospel influenced Jazz and Blues artists.
Other cheap uses for it were "accompanying music of radio dramas (especially
soaps) and, yes, probably in some roller rinks. To a degree, these other uses
are the ones that suffuse the reception of this music by most consumers: the
organ's use in such "corny" places ..." (Milutis)
Hammond's aggressive marketing coincided with the final phase of the slow
death of the pipe organ industry. The leaders of the industry convinced the
FTC that Hammond's ads were partly responsible, and took the matter to the
Senate, who never allowed a tone/wave analysis as evidence. Despite the fact
that musicians and non-musicians alike couldn't tell the difference between a
pipe organ and a Hammond in a blindfold test, they decided to forbid Hammond
to advertise its organs as sounding like pipe organs, but allowed him to call
his electric instrument ("electrotone") an organ regardless. The publicity of
the hearings drove Hammond's sales, which more than offset the cost of
defending his case.
A subject of debate among keyboardists is the notion that the Hammond was the
first synthesizer. From what I gather, it was the first electronic keyboard
instrument, but can't really be called a synthesizer by today's standards. A
precursor to the synth seems to be the consensus on its status.
The B-3 was introduced in 1954, and discontinued in 1974. The Keyboard issue
has articles on the B-3's construction, and what to look for when buying one.
It also has a list of stores which buy/sell/restore Hammonds and Leslies.
There is an indispensable compilation from Blue Note called _So Blue So Funky:
Heroes of the Hammond_ Vols. 1 & 2, available in the U.K. only. Vol.1 was
released in the U.S. under the title _Blue Funk_. Check out Johnny Lytle's
"Minor Soul" which has plenty, plenty soul (Jimmy Foster on organ: any info on
this artist would be appreciated). Lytle is a Vibes player, but always plays
in an organ combo. Two of his albums were reissued on a 2on1 CD,
_The Loop/New & Groovy_ (BGP).
There are also a lot of rare grooves with great Hammond/organ which can be
found on compilations from the U.K. and from San Francisco's Luv 'N' Haight
records, which has at least 7 available at Tower or HMV. Some of the titles
follow, others are _Deja Vu_, Bag of Goodies_, _Hip City_, _What It Is_ &
_Evolution_.
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Jimmy Smith
^^^^^^^^^^^
Regarded by his peers and critics alike as the best. His recordings are
extensive, with over 20 albums for Blue Note and Verve each, and some later
Milestone recordings. A recent thread in rec.music.bluenote agreed that _The
Sermon_ was his best album. He recorded in trios/quartets/quintets, sometimes
sharing the billing with guitarists (Wes Montgomery), vibraphonists (Milt
Jackson) and saxophonists. He also recorded with big bands, unfortunately.
He made his share of funky grooves. Suggestions are "Can't Get Enough" (from
his _Paid In Full_ album on his Mojo label, NA on CD) which can be found on
the compilation of the same name from the new record label Luv 'N' Haight
("The Finest In Funk Since 1990", a tongue-in-cheek take-off of Blue Note's
"The Finest In Jazz Since 1939", both of which are two of my favorite labels).
Another classic is "Pipeline" (album?) which is on the _Best Of_ compilation
from Curb (not the best!).
"Smith revolutionized jazz organ, turning what was, for the most part, a
roller-rink instrument into one of the most incisive, dynamic jazz instruments
of its time. His work in the late 50s defined what today remains the standard
approach to the instrument. In essence, he made the Hammond organ perform the
work of an entire Jazz trio: using the left hand for chordal accompaniment,
right hand for lead, and both feet to produce a walking bass line."
(Bob Porter AMG)
He was awarded _Downbeat_'s Top Jazz Organist for the first of many times in
1964, the same year he won a Grammy for his album _The Cat_. This album, from
his Verve years, is characterized by orchestral accompaniments which are some
of the unfunkiest things I have ever heard. The amazing thing is that if you
just listen to the organ and shut out the big band, it's still funky.
He's still touring regularly, and one of his recent Japanese concerts was just
released by Blue Note, _The Master_, with Kenny Burrell on guitar.
Richard "Groove" Holmes
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The name says it all. This man knew how to groove with both hands and feet.
He acknowledged himself that in the world of organ players, there was Jimmy
Smith and then all the rest; but he (humbly!) considered himself to be at the
top of the rest. IMO, there was Smith, then Groove, then McGriff, then all
the rest. But when it comes to funking it up, Groove had no match. He's
influenced by sax players, like a lot of organists.
He recorded some very nice "straight" Jazz sessions with Ben Webster, Gene
Ammons, Houston Person, and Paul Chambers (renowned bass player). But he
also recorded some of the funkiest shit I have ever heard. He teamed up with
Jimmy McGriff for some organ battles on the Groove Merchant label, and
recorded for Muse from 1977 to 1989 with, among others, Person and Melvin
Sparks.
I suggest picking up Blue Note's compilation _Blue Break Beats Vol. 1_ for,
among other greats, the first track "Grooving With Mr. G." from his _Comin' On
Home_ LP (import CD only). Also, his _Nightglider_ album was reissued this
year by a French label (MusiDisc 500632). Tracks 1, 2, and 5 are the kind of
tracks that will make a skeleton dig out of his/her grave and get down to the
groove, and basically the reason why I'm writing this. Damn is that funky!
The bass and percussion (conga) are cookin'. They didn't list the personnel,
so if anyone has any info, PLEASE e-mail me, thanks! This 1975 album is
produced by Horace Ott, who also recorded Joey DeFrancesco in the 90's.
Jimmy McGriff
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Jimmy McGriff is almost Groove's equal (IMO), as his funkiness is immeasurable
as well. He had a number of hits in the early 60's compiled on _A Toast To
McGriff's Golden Classics_ (Collectables). I also suggest _Funkiest Little
Band in the Land_ & _In A Blue Mood_ (HeadFirst 10112). His recent recordings
on Milestone have some notable guests including Rusty Bryant, David "Fathead"
Newman and Hank Crawford on saxes, Bernard Purdie on drums, Melvin Sparks on
guitar, and Al Grey on trombone. He calls himself a Blues organist, but it's
all mostly in the Jazz/Blues vein and has some instances of get-down-&-boogie
fOnk. He guests on Albert Collins' _Cold Snap_ (Alligator).
Earl "Fatha" Hines
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
One of the forefathers of the piano and organ use in Jazz, his music is
probably more often heard at roller rinks than at concert halls. Recorded
from the late 20's until the late 70's, his innovations (adaptations of Louis
Armstrong's style to the piano) forged the piano (and organ) as a leading
instrument in Jazz bands.
"Wild" Bill Davis
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Considered the inventor of the Hammond, which he picked up in 1947, after
arranging for Earl Hines & Louis Jordan. He influenced people like Jimmy
Smith, Bill Doggett and Milt Buckner, and toured with Duke Ellington's
orchestra in the late 70's. Nothing too funky about his music, but he
requires mentioning.
Fats Waller
^^^^^^^^^^^
I don't have anything from him, but I have Jimmy Smith's _Plays Fats Waller_
where he plays a pipe organ. This type of sound is difficult to play, as
there is a half-step delay between the time the note is played and the sound
comes out of the pipe.
Milt Buckner
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Don't know much about him, but I picked up his _Green Onions_ (Black & Blue
59 087 2). On top of Booker T.'s classic, he also does a boogie woogie and a
funky tune called "Hard Socks Dance". Another track I have from him on a
compilation was soporific, but this album rocks. He's also on Clarence
"Gatemouth" Brown's _Pressure Cooker_ (Alligator) and a live set of his from
Montreux called _Just Got Lucky_ (Evidence).
"Brother" Jack McDuff
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
One of the giants of the instrument, he played with Willis Jackson and George
Benson was in his Quartet (1963-65). He also accompanied such greats as Gene
Ammons and Sonny Stitt. His _Crash_, with Kenny Burrell, was recently
reissued by Prestige, as well as a great live set. His latest outing on Muse,
_Captain Jack_, shows he's still got it. He's currently touring.
"Big" John Patton
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
He was 5'11'/180 lbs., but once you heard his music, you didn't question why
they called him "Big." His _Let 'em Roll_ (Blue Note) w/ Grant Green and
Bobby Hutcherson on vibes is a classic album. You can also find him on the
_So Blue, So Funky_ and _Straight, No Chaser_ compilations from Blue Note.
Shirley Scott
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A great accompanist, she often played with her husband Stanley Turrentine, as
well as Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. A trumpeter originally, she recorded some
albums under her own name, but hasn't released much since her breakup with
Turrentine, except for _Oasis_ (Muse).
Larry Young
^^^^^^^^^^^
An innovator who played with Tony Williams and Miles Davis in the late 60's/
early 70's. He had some very funky outings as well. Mosaic has released a
6 CD collection of 9 albums of him as a leader and accompanist to Grant Green
recorded for Blue Note in the 60's (MD6-137). His funkier stuff is hard to
find, and he also recorded some sessions for Jimi Hendrix (which?).
Joey DeFrancesco
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I cannot begin to express how much I envy this man. He's only 24 but plays
the Hammond as well as any of the people on this list, except for Jimmy and
Groove. He also plays trumpet, and was a Miles Davis protege. He's from
Philadelphia. His latest release, _Relentless_ (Big Mo 20232) with Danny
Gatton on guitar is a must for any Jazz/Blues fan.
"Baby Face" Willette
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I picked up the _Stop and Listen_ (CDP 8289982) reissue mostly because Grant
Green comps, but this is a good trio with Ben Dixon on drums. Green shines
as usual, and Willette has some very nice solos. IMHO, he doesn't quite
compare to "Groove", but he sure can groove. *:o)
Dr. Lonnie Smith
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
His claim to fame is having discovered/introduced George Benson, but he's a
talented organist & composer. His _Afrodesia_ w/ Benson, Randy Brecker &
Steve Gadd has some interesting arrangements. You'll often see him in the
Lonnie "Liston" Smith bin at record/CD stores. Just released, recorded in
March, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix by the Lonnie Smith Trio with John
Abercrombie: _Purple Haze_ and _Foxy Lady_. Boppin' jazz arrangements of
Jimi's classics.
Don Patterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Most of his output on Prestige is unavailable on CD, but he recorded with
Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt, among others. Don't buy _The Genius of the B-3_
(Muse MCD 5443) unless you like elevator music.
Don Pullen
^^^^^^^^^^
His avant-garde piano recordings are an acquired taste, but he has recorded
on organ, including Maceo Parker's _Roots Revisited_ (Verve 843 751-2 1990),
one of my favorite albums.
Mel Rhyne
^^^^^^^^^
Organist in Wes Montgomery's trios.
Dave Witham
^^^^^^^^^^^
Plays B-3 on Lee Ritenour's _Wes Bound_ (GRP GRD-9697). To be honest with
you, as much as I love Wes Montgomery, I prefer Lee's arrangements to Wes'.
I really like Witham's's playing on "Boss City".
Sun Ra, Bill Doggett, Lou Bennett, Paul Bryant, Freddie Roach, Rhoda Scott,
Clare Fischer, "Baby" Dave Cortez, Clifton Coultier, Odell Brown
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Notable organists; need info!
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Otis Spann
^^^^^^^^^^
Sweet Giant of The Blues, a most appropriate title, from one of his albums.
*THE* best Chicago Blues pianist (period), he recorded with many artist in
the 1960's, including Muddy Waters (they considered themselves half-brothers),
Buddy Guy, Johhny Shines, Floyd Jones, Eddie Taylor and Robert Jr. Lockwood.
His organ recordings are scarce, but are well worth the trouble of searching
for. The title track from his _Cryin' Time_ (Vanguard) is one of the most
inspiring organ pieces I know. In fact, in terms of organ playing, it doesn't
get any better than this track. Also has a couple of organ tunes on his
recently reissued _Chicago Blues_ (Testament/Hightone).
Lucky Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A child prodigy who appeared on Johnny Carson at the age of 5. He studied
with Jimmy Smith and is a guitar virtuoso as well. He sings, composes and
arranges, and his five albums are all worth picking up (Evidence, 2 on
Alligator & Verve each). He also plays Hammond on Junior Wells' latest
_Better Off with the Blues_ (Telarc) w/ Buddy Guy, and on Big Daddy Kinsey's
tribute to Muddy Waters _I Am The Blues_ & James Cotton's latest recording,
releases from Verve, which has made a recent commitment to the Blues.
Bruce Katz
^^^^^^^^^^^
Former member of Ronnie Earl's Broadcaters, he's formed his own band and has
a couple of albums on the Bullseye Blues label available through Rounder.
He's a very talented Blues Hammond organist.
Gene Ludwig (contributed by William Pollak <w...@sei.cmu.edu>)
^^^^^^^^^^^
Gene began playing R&B in the early 1950s. He met Jimmy Smith at the Hurricane
Lounge in Pittsburgh's Hill District in 1957, and Ludwig says that Smith
"taught me what the Hammond organ is all about."
In the 1960s, Ludwig worked with Pat Martino and Sonny Stitt. He was the
featured organist with Arthur Prysock's band from 1973-1975 and 1978-1979.
For the past five years, Ludwig has been playing regional jazz festivals,
including a "Battle of the Organs" at the 1989 Mellon Jazz Festival in
Pittsburgh. In August 1992, he appeared with Jimmy McGriff and Charles Earland
at the Pythodd Reunion in Rochester, N.Y. In August 1994, he played opposite
John DeFrancesco at the Shadyside Arts Festival in Pittsburgh. And in November
1994, he was part of the Newark Jazz Festival in Newark, N.J., where he played
on the same stage as Hank Marr, Lonnie Smith, John DeFrancesco, Shirley Scott,
and Jimmy McGriff.
Ludwig currently plays keyboard with the Billy Price Band in Pittsburgh.
Deacon Jones
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Organist for John Lee Hooker. Check out "Boogie at Russian Hill" on the
Hook's _Boom Boom_ (Pointblank V2-86553).
Steve Winwood
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yeah, I know! Some of you are saying "WHAT!?" But his organ work with
Traffic and on "Voodoo Child" alone merit an honorable mention. And no one
will ever convince me that Jimi didn't play the Blues, nor that Traffic wasn't
heavily influenced by the Blues. He also played piano/organ on the London
Sessions for Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf.
Steppenwolf
^^^^^^^^^^^
Alright, definitely a Rock crossover, but I don't want to start a Rock section
before I'm done with a planned Reggae section. But these guys are just too
funky to leave out. If you don't believe me, pick up _The Second_ (MCA 1971)
and get down to "Lost And Found By Trial And Error/Hodge, Podge, Strained
Through A Leslie" (Pun!). I don't know who plays B-3 for this band, but if
you do, please let me know.
David Torkanowsky
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Plays on Walter "Wolfman" Washington's _Wolf Tracks_ (Rounder CD 2048). Also
replaced Art Neville at a Meters/JB Horns concert in Switzerland, available on
CD from cdeurope.com or cdnow.com (via telnet).
Johnny "Big Moose" Walker
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Organist for the Son Seals Blues Band. Blues soul!
Malcolm Lukens
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Organist for the legend of the Telecaster, Roy Buchanan.
Bill Holloman
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Another horn player/keyboardist, he plays some B-3 on Danny Gatton's _88
Elmira Street_ (Elektra 9 61032-2).
Robert Hooker, Alan Batts
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Notable organists; need info!
(B.B. King, Etta James)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Several of their 60's releases have an organist as an integral part of
their group. Check out King's _Completely Well_ and James' _At Last!_ or
_Tell Mama_.
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Call it Soul-Jazz, call it Fusion, heck, why don't you call it Acid-Jazz!?
Gilles Peterson did!
Prestige Records is compiling a Soul-Jazz Encyclopedia; Vol. 1 is out already.
This compilation has songs from most of the artist listed in this section.
Luv 'N' Haight has compiled several collections of "rare grooves," obscure but
unbelivably funky tunes from artists known and unknown. Prestige is cashing
in on this revival by releasing its own compilations. Just released, _Funky
Beats_, with Earland, McDuff, Spencer, Johnny "Hammond" and Sonny Phillips.
There are also a lot of similar compilations from England, where this type of
music was much more popular (than in the U.S.). Any info on these would be
appreciated.
Herbie Hancock
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Chameleon," "Hang Up Your Hang Ups," "Actual Proof" just to name a few
classics from his 70's experiments in Funk/Fusion. This man's work is so
vast, as he kept on recording "straight" & Post-Bop at the same time he was
leading the Fusion scene. A member of Miles Davis' Quintet, which he reformed
in the mid 70's with Freddie Hubbard "replacing" Miles (the V.S.O.P. album).
One of my favorites is his accompaniment on Grant Green's _Feelin' The Spirit_
(Blue Note 1962) where he lays down some infectious piano grooves on
spirituals like "Go Down Moses" and "Motherless Child." He also tried his
hand(s) at Hip Hop in the early 80's with _Future Shock_ (which shocked a lot
of his fans), and his latest, _Dis Is Da Drum_, should be in record stores
sometime (it's supposed to be in the Acid-Jazz vein, with Groove Collective
lending a hand or two). Like Taj Mahal, he's one of the only people to have
recorded 10+ non-Pop albums in the 70's and still have them in print today.
Charles Earland
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Made some great Funk/Soul-Jazz recordings in the late 60's & early 70's.
Played with Jimmy McGriff, Lou Donaldson, Grover Washington Jr. and others.
He was a sax player who switched to the Hammond because he couldn't keep an
organist in his groups. Some of his funky tracks are available on the
compilation series _Acid Jazz_ Vols. 2,3.
Reuben Wilson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Reuben Wilson's _On Broadway_ isn't available on CD, but the title track is on
Blue Note's _Straight No Chaser_ 2 CD compilation of tunes sampled by Us3 for
their album _Hand on the Torch_. His "We're In love" was sampled by Nas on
"Memory Lane", which is a great jazzy Hip Hop tune from his debut album
_Illmatic_. He has one of my favorite tracks on Blue Note's _Blue Break
Beats_ Vol. 2, "Orange Peel," on which John Manning plays a Coltrane-like sax
solo to a James Brown type of groove.
Leon Spencer Jr.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Another funkmaster, backing artists like Melvin Sparks, Houston Person, Lou
Donaldson & Sonny Stitt. He also recorded a few albums of his own, NA on CD
again! (Get with it Fantasy!). I definitely recommend picking up Luv 'N'
Haight's _Jazz Dance Classics_ Vols. 1-3, on which Leon Spencer is well
represented.
Charles Kynard
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Funkee man; recorded for Prestige. Also on the series _Acid Jazz_ Vols. 2,3.
He has a 2on1 from BGP, _Reelin' With The Feelin'/Wa-Tu-Wa-Zu_.
Johnny "Hammond" Smith
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Remembered mostly for his recordings from the 70's: "It's Too Late" with
Grover Washington Jr., and _Gears_, a Jazz-Funk classic. Also known simply
as Johnny Hammond, BGP released a 2on1: _That Good Feelin'/Talk That Talk_.
Lonnie "Liston" Smith
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
He played with artists like George Benson. A versatile organist, he mostly
recorded in the Funk/Disco vein that was popular in the early 70's. He has a
few classics to his name.
Ronnie Foster
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Studio musician; played on some classics like Grant Green's "Sookie, Sookie".
Made a few albums for Blue Note. He also plays on Ritenour's _Wes Bound_, on
the track "4 on 6".
Sonny Phillips
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
His style is reminiscent of Jimmy Smith but his recordings were all Jazz-Funk.
Check out a 2on1 CD from Beat Goes Public called _Sure 'Nuff/Black Magic!_
(CDBGPD 063).
Bill Mason
^^^^^^^^^^
The only track I know he's on is Rusty Bryant's "Fire Eater", available on
_Jazz Dance Classics_ Vol. 1, but it's one of my favorites. Rusty's _Friday
Night Funk for Saturday Night Brothers_ and _Fire Eater_ are available on CD
in Japan.
Emmanuel Riggins, Earl Neal Creque
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Notable organists; need info!
(Ivan "Boogaloo Joe" Jones)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The master Jazz guitarist mostly recorded with an organ in his group, and has
several funky albums, especially _Sweetback_, NA on CD but a couple of its
tracks are available on Luv 'N' Haight's compilations (in fact, he's on almost
every one of their compilations).
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The Meters
^^^^^^^^^^
The Original Funkmasters, the Meter-men, Funk incarnate! Anyone who's ever
heard these guys will tell you you don't know what Funk is until you've heard
the Meters. The New Orleans band led by Aaron Neville on organ, with Leo
Nocentelli (guitar), George Porter Jr. (bass) and Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste
(drums) were much sought after studio musicians who recorded many jewels of
their own. Charly's compilations _The Original Funkmasters_ & _Fundamentally
Funky_ are definite musts. They also have a 2 CD compilation _Funky Miracle_.
Booker T. and the MG's
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The Stax house band which backed such greats as Albert King and countless
others, and recorded such classics as "Green Onions" and "Soul Dressing".
Each of the band members was a studio musician as high in demand individually
as the group itself. Their "Best Of" on Atlantic is a must for any fan of
great funky music. Recently regrouped, Booker T. and Donald "Duck" Dunn are
playing with people like John Lee Hooker and touring as well.
"Green Onions" 1st Chorus "Green Onions" 2nd Chorus
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X X X X | X X X X
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Funk Inc.
^^^^^^^^^
Beat Goes Public, an English label, recently reissued four of their albums
on two 2on1 CDs: _Funk Inc./Chicken Lickin'_ (CDBGP 040) & _Hangin'
Out/Superfunk_ (CDBGP 058). They live up to their monicker! This group is
similar in style to the Meters, but most of their tracks are 5-7 mins. while
the Meters' are 2-4 mins.
Bobby Byrd
^^^^^^^^^^
James Brown's organist has finally released his own album on Soulciety, _On
The Move_ (Instinct EX 295-2). His soulful, rough voice accompanies his
B-3 and Fender Rhodes playing well. Tower of Power guest on one song.
Soul Machine
^^^^^^^^^^^^
The 45 that started the Luv 'N' Haight compilations (LHCD001) is "Bag of
Goodies", an obscure release. The B-side, "Twitchie Feet", is on _What Is
Hip_, and has some very funky B-3.
Maceo Parker
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yes, Maceo! Check out The JB Horns' _I Like It Like That_ (Soulciety
ME 011/93), on which he plays Hammond on a couple of tracks. Richard Mazda
also plays some nice organ overdubs.
__
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James Taylor Quartet
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
An English band turned on to Jazz-Funk by Gilles Peterson, the founder of the
Acid-Jazz scene. This group has recorded some really funky tunes in the
groove of the early 70's Jazz-Funk greats. They also did a remake of the
Starsky & Hutch theme with Fred Wesley and Pee Wee Ellis from the JB Horns.
Directions in Groove
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
An Australian band with a very funky groove led by an organist. They have a
penchant for bop of the Miles Davis late 60's era, with a modern Acid-Jazz
feel to it. Some of the tunes are reminiscent of the Quintet itself, although
most of the album contains a weak "white" rap which can turn some people off.
"Hip Replacement" is a great track, a fabulous Miles Davis tribute,
intertwined with funky drum, bass, sax, and B-3 solos. Their debut release
is called _Deeper_ (Verve 314 518 609-2).
Exodus Quartet
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
David Ylvisaker on organ/vibes, with a funky smooth guitar, sax/flute, and
percussion quartet. They have an album on Instinct, and are on several of
their _This Is Acid Jazz_ (Vols. 2,3) compilations. Check out "Groove Gumbo",
"Peace", "Perfect Vibe".
Chizuko Yoshihiro
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A Japanese keyboardist, the only US release I know of hers is _Conscious Mind_
(Verve 314 518 343-2) which has Ronny Jordan, guitar and Max Beesley, vibes on
a few tracks. She plays piano and Rhodes, but also plays some funky C-3. I
like "Sweet Joker", "Skyscrapers", and a nice remake of Grover Washington
Jr.'s "Winelight". This funky Jazz with some Rap and a slight Disco ("UGH!")
groove to a couple of songs.
DJ Krush
^^^^^^^^
I don't know much about this Japanese DJ, but his "Slow Chase" on Mo'Wax's
compilation _Royalties Overdue: The First Chapter_ (MWCD 003) is one of my
favorites. This is the kind of music that can make me listen to Ornette
Coleman' Free sax playing, which I could usually only listen to while
vaccuuming! But with great funky beats & grooves, this really! Free-Jazz
(almost John Zorn Psycho-Jazz) becomes almost enjoyable.
Joey Altruda Quartet
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This was a short-lived project, but Meters Zig Modeliste and Leo Nocentelli
lent their skills for these great tracks, "Shuvlin'" and "The Fish" available
on Pure's 4th compilation, called _Pure 4_ (Virgin 72438 39310 2 6).
Mother Earth
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Another English band led by organ, but they groove in the Rock direction (a la
Grand Funk Railroad) as well as the Jazz-Funk direction.
Corduroy
^^^^^^^^
Ditto, they disgust a lot of people by redoing a lot of popular 70's TV show
and film themes.
==============================================================================
"It's too funky in here!" - James Brown
This is maintained on a volunteer basis by Gilles Bacon <gil...@netcom.com>.
I do not pretend to be an authority on music or the organ (well, maybe the
organ :) ), as these are my own remarks and many people will have different
tastes. If you have similar tastes, please e-mail me your comments,
corrections, suggestions and/or additions.
This will be a mailing list as well, in so far as I will e-mail it to anyone
who requests it. It will be sent only when significant changes warrant it.
I plan to update it with more info, discographies & new releases as well.
^Groove^ is availbale via ftp: <ftp.netcom.com:/pub/gi/gilles/^Groove^>
You can also view it with a WWW browser, here's the anchor:
<A HREF="ftp://ftp.netcom.com:/pub/gi/gilles/g^intro.html">^Groove^</A>
Contributors
^^^^^^^^^^^^
jmil...@csd.uwm.edu (Joseph Adam Milutis)
bro...@cs.man.ac.uk (Matthew Brooks)
djs...@is.NYU.EDU (David J. Strauss)
jef...@aol.com (Jeff Chard)
N.Groc...@soton.ac.uk (Nic Grochowski)
Harry_...@star9gate.mitre.org (Harry Sleeper)
w...@SEI.CMU.EDU (William Pollak)
p...@panix.com (Max Pyziur)
Titles font name is graffiti.flf
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This figlet font was designed by Leigh Purdie (pur...@zeus.usq.edu.au)
'fig-fonted' by Leigh Purdie and Tim Maggio (t...@claremont.com)
--
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gil...@netcom.com
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