How much more can one say about these tunes? This may be my shortest write-up yet. Apparently UK DJ Ian Dewhirst has taken it upon himself, in conjunction with the Vintage Grooves series and Seamless Recordings, to try and once again relive the magic by rounding up the usual subjects into FUNK Volume One [SEAMVGCD002]. One thing in their favor is that these are the full, original 12” versions, so if your old vinyl is worn or all scratched-up, you will be able to renew your library here, and please, remember not to lend them to friends again. Or maybe you are of the youthful generation, and your elders play this music and you kinda like it. Then this two-CD collection is also for you! Ah-ha! Scenario number three, as is with me and Positive Funk’s “We Got The Funk” – I missed adding that one to my collection back when it came out, so although there is nothing like the artwork on the original vinyl, I guess this will have to do. Even if you were not a fan of this music when they were first released, you will recognize all twenty-eight of them from one promotional or commercial experience or another.
Before I go, I must mention that FUNK Volume 1 includes two Blackbirds classics: “Do It Fluid” and “Rock Creek Park”, as well as the timeless Cymande gem, “The Message” (which reminds me of a variety of old ex-girlfriends for some reason). Alright, enough reminiscing; leave it to those pesky Brits to unearth buried memories of our musical past. Reminding us once again, how timeless and influential groups and acts like Brick, Wild Cherry, The Fatback Band, Jackie McLean, The Bar Kays and George Duke, et al were. I’m feelin three high-heeled sneaker stars on this one as I try to keep looking forward, lest Sachel Paige’s advice catch-up with us all over here in the states.
