The Blackbyrds – “Rock Creek Park” (1975)
The group that brought us the smash hit “Walking in Rhythm” also wrote many other great songs. This one is from their 1975 album City Life.
It was sampled on the song “Ghetto Thang” by De La Soul, and was also used on our recordings by Massive Attack and Eric B & Rakim.
Melissa Cherry – “Interview” (2008)
This hilarious & scathing parody of an airhead Britney Spears-type pop singer is from the recent The Onion Movie. Highly recommended.
Little Sister – “Stanga” (1970)
More of Sly Stone’s sister Vet’s short-lived band. This was produced by Sly Stone. I think it might have also been written & performed by him. Definitely has the same feel as his then-current There’s a Riot Goin’ On album.
This is a must-hear funk gem – unfortunately this song didn’t get much recognition at the time.
More of Little Sister to come…
(Note: this is audio only)
24-Carat Black – “Ghetto: Misfortune’s Wealth” (1973)
This mellow funk gem is the title track to this somewhat-forgotten band’s one & only 1973 album. They have become a favourite in recent times though among hip hop artists.
Larry Graham – “Sooner or Later” (1982)
Former Sly & the Family Stone bassist & Graham Central Station leader, this innovative & influential monster of the bass went in a more commercial direction by the 80s. This song is more of a dance / R&B song…but still has some funk flavour to it, albeit in a very early-80s, synth-dominated kind of way. You can tell he had been listening to Prince and alot of the other R&B trends going on in music at the time. Anyhow, this is a very catchy song that should have been a much bigger hit than it was.
Even though it does sound a bit dated now, it’s still definitely worth a listen. And certainly brings back memories for me.
Shuggie Otis – “Inspiration Information” (1974)
This title track to his third & final album, came out in 1974 & should have been a huge hit. It had everything going for it – funky beat, great chorus, excellent playing. But alas, it wasn’t to be and this young prodigy (who was asked to be the Rolling Stones’ lead guitarist when he was only a teenager) went into semi-retirement after this album.
The son of blues bandleader Johnny Otis, he was definitely in the mold of Stevie Wonder & Prince – multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer…he simply could do it all. He was also the author of the song “Strawberry Letter #23” that became a huge hit for the Brothers Johnson in 1977.
Luckily, a number of years back, Shuggie’s recordings came back into print. I highly recommend you to check him out. He was one of THE unsung titans of the R&B / blues world.
Clarence Reid – “Funky Party” (1974)
This singer/songwriter/producer, who was also known under his x-rated persona Blowfly…this is one of his funky hits from the summer of 1974.
Jimi Hendrix – TV Interview (1969)
This was taken from “The Dick Cavett Show” from Sept. 9, 1969 (see below)…
Also shows Dick Cavett looking back on this interview, many years later. I believe this was taken from a documentary made about Hendrix.
Jimi Hendrix & the Band of Gypsys – “Izabella” (TV – 1969)
Recorded live on “The Dick Cavett Show” from Sept. 9, 1969.
“The Story of the Undertones: Teenage Kicks” (2003 – Part 3)
Part 3 of this great 2003 documentary of this Derry, Northern Ireland punk band. Features interviews with all the original band members, as well as their biggest champion John Peel…
More installments to come….
The Beat Patrol 