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palmystery

I love listening to some of today’s artists’ interpretation of fusion.
I’ve just recently got into “Sifu” by Victor Wooten, while listening to internet radio.
A friend hipped me to Bela Fleck, for whom Wooten played bass, so I knew of him.
Based on songs brief opening commentary and the fact that he is a martial artist, we’re led to the Chinese meaning of “Sifu” as teacher, and this tune is an ode in some way.

Nevertheless, this tune from the 2008 album “Palmystery” is a jam.
From the haunting background vocals, wailing guitar and sax. To Wooten’s dynamic, staccato bass plucking, you’re taken on an avante-garde fusion journey.
This alone may imply him having been passed the bass player baton from Stanley and Jaco. Enjoy!

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Personnel:

Victor Wooten (vocals, bass instrument, bass guitar, fretless bass, hand claps, drum programming);

Amir Ali (vocals, lute, violin, darabukka);

Joseph Wooten (vocals, piano, organ, keyboards);

Richard Bona (vocals, percussion);

Chuck Rainey,

Sifu Brian Edwards, Dorothy Wooten, Doug Woodard, The Woodard Family, Daniel Hunt, Derrick Lee, Alvin Chea, Saundra Williams, Adam Wooten, Holly Wooten, Kaila Wooten, Keith Lee (vocals);

Regi Wooten (guitar, bass guitar);

Alvin Lee ,

Mike Stern (guitar);

Keb’ Mo’ (slide guitar);

Roosevelt “The Doctor” Collier (pedal steel guitar);

Eric Silver (mandolin, violin);

Howard Levy (harmonica);

Rudy Wooten,
Shawn “Thunder” Wallace (alto saxophone);

Jeff Coffin (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone);

Karl Denson (tenor saxophone);

Rod McGaha (trumpet);

Barry Green (trombone);

Neal Evans (organ);

Dane Bryant (keyboards);

Anthony Wellington, Alvin “Lil’ Al” Cordy, Anthony “Flex” Wellington, John Billings (bass guitar);
Steve Bailey (fretless bass);
JD Blair, Earl “Big E” Walker, Dennis Chambers, Raymond Massey, Will Kennedy, Derico Watson (drums);
James Jackson (congas);
Roy Wooten (cajon drums, shaker, hand claps);
Darrell Tibbs (percussion).

1. 2 Timers
2. Cambo
3. I Saw God
4. Lesson, The
5. Left, Right & Center
6. Sifu
7. Miss U - (with The Lee Boys)
8. Flex
9. Gospel, The
10. Song For My Father
11. Happy Song
12. Us 2

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the aura will prevail

This is the tune that really made me dig George Duke, primarily and Fusion in general.
Another example of the musical diversity available at the time. Foosh is bluesy, funky, and spacy on a number of levels, and it’s probably not for everyone.
From the album “The Aura Will Prevail” “75, itself somewhat a tour-de-force of what his musical approach will become. His unmistakeable sound will eventually be imitated by many in the business.

The tune is a re-vamp of one originally done when he and Jean-Luc-Ponty had a trio. This version is simpler with Duke on keyboards, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler drums, and Alphonso Johnson, bass.
Containing a lot of the humorous “munchkin” tones from his Zappa days are also incorporated, which to me says”he’s having a ball” playing this. Have a ball listening!

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Personnel:

Airto Moreira
Percussion

Alphonso Johnson
Bass

Gee Janzen
Vocals

George Duke
Keyboards, Vocals, Main Performer

Kathy Woehrle
Vocals

Leon “Ndugu” Chan…
Percussion, Drums

Sylvia Saint James
Vocals

Track listing:

1. Dawn
2. For Love (I Come Your Friend)
3. Foosh
4. Floop De Loop
5. Malibu
6. Fools
7. Echidna’s Arf
8. Uncle Remus
9. Aura, The

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school's in

If someone from a deserted island asked me for a contemporary example of funk music, “Basic Funk 101″ would be a prime choice.
This track by Maceo Parker, from the “School’s In” album 2005 typifies why he’s known for fronting “the funkiest orchestra” in the business.
From the get, scratch guitar licks by Bruno Speight…with “Skeet” Curtis and Jamal Thomas holdin’ it down on bass and drums, respectively, setting the tempo.

On top of all that is Maceo layin’ down the groove for the cookin’ horn section.
Other cats include Candy Dulfer on alto sax, Peter Weniger on tenor, Ron tooley on trumpet, Greg Boyer on trombone, and Morris Hayes on the Hammond B-3.
This jam is hittin’ for over 8 1/2 minutes , and will have you wearin’ it out.

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School’s In
2xLP BHM Records, 2005
Catalog # BHM 1007-1

Personnel include:

Maceo Parker (vocals, alto saxophone, percussion);

Candy Dulfer (vocals, alto saxophone);

Corey Parker (vocals);

Bruno Speight (guitar);

Peter Weniger (tenor saxophone);

Ron Tooley (trumpet);

Greg Boyer (trombone);

Morris Hayes (Hammond b-3 organ, keyboards);

Rodney “Skeet” Curtis (bass instrument);

Jamal Thomas (drums);

Martha High, Kip Blackshire, Sadie Hayes (background vocals).

1. To Be or Not to Be
2. Basic Funk: 101
3. What You Know About Funk?
4. ABC
5. Song For My Teacher
6. Speed Reading (It-Si-Hi-Ya)
7. What a Wonderful World
8. Arts & Crafts
9. Advanced Funk
10. I’m Gonna Teach You

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