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letter to herbie

When listening to Naked Camera by John Beasley from the album “Letter to Herbie” 2008 Resonance Records, one is immediately reminded of Freddie Hubbard style of trumpet, which I mean as a compliment to Roy Hargrove, who is actually playing.

As the album name implies, this is a tribute to the great Herbie Hancock, with some Wayne Shorter thrown in for good measure.

All the cats on this jam are tight. They include Beasley on keyboards, Christian McBride-acoustic/electric bass, Jeff Watts-drums, Michael O’Neill-guitar, Louis Conte-percussion and Hargrove.

This tune reminds me of the old CTI lps of the 70s when what became “smooth jazz” hadn’t been coined as a phrase, let alone a genre, and wasn’t as boring as it’s become today.

The album is a reshaping of some classics with an original stamp, which is probably why Freddie comes to my mind! Duh!

Track listing:

1. 4 AM (Herbie Hancock) 5:51
2. Bedtime Voyage (Herbie Hancock) 6:13
3. Chan’s Song (Herbie Hancock) 6:15
4. Three Finger Snap (John Beasley) 4:36
5. The Naked Camera (Herbie Hancock) 5:20
6. Eye of the Hurricane (Herbie Hancock) 4:17
7. Diana (Wayne Shorter) 4:23
8. Hear and Now (John Beasley) 6:20
9. Still Time (Herbie Hancock) 4:09
10. Vein Melter (Herbie Hancock) 3:21

Personnel:

John Beasley - Piano, Fender Rhodes, Clavinet, Synthesizer
Christian McBride - Acoustic and Electric Bass
Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts - Drums
Roy Hargrove - Trumpet
Steve Tavaglione - Alto Flute, Bass Clarinet
Michael O’Neill - Guitar
Louis Conte - Percussion

The track “Heart’s Desire” by Don Blackman 1982 Arista Records from the self titled album was one of those sleeper jams no one knew about at the time.

This jazzy funk track didn’t get a lot of airplay domestically, though evidently was a minor hit in Europe.

From the start the irresistable bass line groove by Barry Sonjohn grabs your attention. What’s also somewhat sophisticated for this type of tune is the scat sang chorus. Vocals are by whom is called “The Family Tradition”, along with Blackman singing lead and keyboards. Further examination of the personnel reveals a young Dennis Chambers on drums.

Blackman’s credentials include having played with the likes of Parliament/Funkadelic,Earth,Wind & Fire, Roy Ayers, and Lenny White etc. His keyboard facility is also well showcased on this jam.

Track listing:(lp)

A1 Yabba Dabba Doo 5:16
A2 Heart’s Desire 4:30
A3 Holding You, Loving You 4:10
A4 Deaf Hook-Up Connection 4:03
B1 You Ain’t Hip 3:01
B2 Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide 3:38
B3 Since You Been Away So Long 5:11
B4 Never Miss A Thing 3:50

Personnel: The Family Tradition

Don Blackman-piano,keyboards
Desire “Deezie” White-vocals
Sheri “Ayo” Snyder-vocals
Barry “Sonjohn” Johnson-bass
Steve “City” Horton-guitar
Eddie “EPM” Martinez-guitar
Dennis “Washington” Chambers-drums

COP DIS JAM

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.

PROFYOUSION.COM/PROFYOUSION

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

COP DIS JAM

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