Venus Gang – “Love to Fly”
Tight, groovy, and funky as the day is long, this 1978 number by Venus Gang is pure fun. No politics or controversy here, just a phat, raw beat, and sexy female vocals about stars making love and loving to fly. Imagination takes care of the rest. Disco keyboard and rhythm section work a’la Quincy Jones, meets a dubby clubby vibe that anticipates more contemporary nightclub music, and gives some of today’s producers a bit of schooling, I’d have to say. Delicious track.
Venus Gang
“Love to Fly” (mp3)
from “Galactic Soul”
(Mucho Gusto Records)
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Charlie Hunter – “High Pockets and a Fanny Pack”
Charlie Hunter’s “Home For The Holidays” show at Yoshi’s has become quite the tradition for me in my hometown of Oaksterdam. The event has always been a great success, and this year they’re celebrating its tenth year with a four day run, Dec 18-Dec 20, 2009, featuring special guest Doug Wamble. So to warm up for this fantabulous occasion, I’m posting this bubbly rockin’ jazzy funk track for you’re listening plizeasure. Note the absence of any bass guitar proper, as Charlie manages the top, middle, and bottom of an 8 string slanted fret guitar that was designed for him by fellow Oaklander Ralph Novak. When Hunter gets cooking on that thing, you’ll find yourself looking around the stage asking, where are the rest of the players? A musician, a magician and a mensch, Charlie just keeps getting better with time.
Charlie Hunter
“High Pockets and a Fanny Pack” (mp3)
from “Gentlemen, I Neglected To Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid”
(reapandsow, Inc.)
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Barkays – “Holy Ghost”
Boo! Ok, one of the gr8est rhythm sections in the history of recorded music, rockin’ it heavy. Trick or treat? The answer is: both. Bust this and watch your ghouly guests go completely mad.
The Barkays
“Holy Ghost” (mp3)
from “Greatest Hits”
(LocoBop)
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Forrrce – “Keep on Dancin”
Oooooold skooooool! How funkay do ya wannit? This classic slice of early 80’s club disco is a joyous celebration of life, dancin’ and partying. Luscious ear candy from electric guitar, bass, clavinet, bells and the kitchen sink back party chants and vintage rap vocals, in this under-discovered link in the evolution from disco and funk to hip-hop and modern deejay dance music. From Mel Cheren’s West End Records, ladies and gents, a timeless, absolutely guaranteed dance floor filler. Feel the Forrrce!
Forrrce
“Keep on Dancin’” (mp3)
from “Keep on Dancin’”
(West End Records)
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