Grant Green – “Ain’t It Funky Now” (1970)
Guitarist Grant Green’s take on the James Brown classic, from the 1970 album Green Is Beautiful…
Ballin’ Jack – “Never Let ‘Em Say” (1970)
This Hendrix-style funk rock song by Ballin’ Jack comes from their self-titled debut album from 1970. It was later sampled by The Beastie Boys on their Paul’s Boutique album.
Stanley Turrentine – “Papa Wings” (1977)
Another song sampled on Common’s “They Say” from his 2005 album Be, comes this piece by jazz tenor sax player Stanley Turrentine off his Nightwings album, that is equal parts funk, blues & jazz, with slight elements of the prevailing disco sound of the time.
Note: song gets cut off right at the end…sorry.
Bruce Haack – “Party Machine” (1983)
This funky, techno dance track from electronic pioneer Bruce Haack comes from 1983 (some might think this is from 1978 but it’s not), and was made with hip hop producer Russell Simmons, using then popular vocoderized vocals.
James Brown – “Nose Job” (1970)
This obscure JB instrumental was recorded in the late 60s and released on his 1970 LP Ain’t It Funky Now
Andre Cymone – “So Fine” (1983)
Another early-80s funk number by former Prince bandmember and high school friend Andre Cymone. This comes from his 2nd album Survivin’ in the 80s.
Madhouse – “Six 1/2″ (1987)
Prince & Eric Leeds released 2 funky jazz albums under the name of Madhouse back in 1987. This was a B-side to one of the singles released off the debut album 8. Very good stuff. Extremely hard to find these days.
Andre Cymone – “Kelly’s Eyes” (1982)
Another of former Prince bandmember Andre Cymone’s new wave-flavored funk/pop songs. This came from his debut album Livin’ in the New Wave. He made 3 albums before marrying Jody Watley and writing & producing many hits for her in the late 80s.
Hamilton Bohannon – “Bohannon’s Disco Symphony” (1977)
Producer, bandleader, drummer & singer Hamilton Bohannon, usually known as simply Bohannon, made many great funk tracks during the 70s. This (obviously) disco-flavored funk monster comes from the 1977 album Phase II.
Maxayn – “Tryin’ for Days” (1972)
This obscure soul singer recorded three albums for Capricorn Records (home of The Allman Brothers) in the early 70s. Maxayn Lewis never made it big but this song shows that she deserved a better fate.
