Funk is back! (As far as we’re concerned.)

We are getting down with our bad selves.

We all know James Brown, rightly so. “I’m Black and I’m Proud” alone gets him a gold star in my book. He also did a whole lot more and only he could do it. One of those figures in funk. A real character too. I just love him.

Funk became prominent in my listening when I got a djembe drum. For the next album, there won’t be computer assistance or AI at all. Had to get a drum. When I started playing djembe with the fretless bass, I found a sound. It’s very funky. No complaints. 

When you go back and listen to The Meters, Commodores, The Ohio Players, Tower of Power, Sly and the Family Stone, Brothers Johnson, all the way back to Rueben Wilson and Brother Jack McDuff (like Moonrappin’, for example), you get schooled on rhythm sections. I love it. Everyone is bouncing around all over the place, that rhythm section must be there when they land. It’s beautiful. Almost like “Trustfall” but not a dangerous cheesy corporate icebreaker. But I think it is what “Trustfall” goes for, being in a band without knowing music.

A funky concert story.

I saw George Clinton and he had the Beastie Boys opening. The Beasties set was ending but they kept playing. Stagehands tearing down and setting up and they never stopped the music. George Clinton and about 20 fabulously dressed musicians walk on stage and start playing right along with them. The whole crowd went nuts and was moving in unison. Best concert moment. Funk. 

Been reading the “Characteristics of Funk Music” Characteristics of Funk Music: An Introduction – CMUSE and there’s a lot of good stuff there. For me the main characteristic is that it’s solid, but it gets funky. I guess that means I’m never really lost in what’s going on, and can swing a cat at the same time. I love swinging cats. Gives me stank face. 

Funk will be on The Kintners’ projects going forward. It’s mostly what I listen to these days. One thing about long breaks between releases, time to learn new stuff. Funk is back on the menu. 

A sample of me having a funky time. Thanks! 🙏  fretless bass, djembe, maraca, and electric guitar. 

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