Jazzy Grooves & Funky Tunes
Philadelphia soul singer Major Harris died last week, only 65 years of age. This track, written by Terry Collins, is the b-side to his single ‘Laid back love’. ‘Love won’t let me wait’ was his biggest hit. It reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the number one spot on the R&B chart in 1975.
State Department – Slow Love (1977)
This is on a new disco compilation called ‘Under the influence 2’, which is out on Z Records, a company founded by disco connoisseur Joey Negro.
Chuck Strong – Doin' It Cause It Feels Good (1983)
From the best compilation album of 2012, ‘Private Wax: Super Rare Boogie And Disco’, which came out on BBE Records in August. The original of ‘Doin’ it’ (written by Willie Hutch) was sung by Gwen McCrae a year prior to this version of Chuck Strong.
Sydney Joe Qualls – So Sexy [The Apple Scruffs Edit] (1979)
The original is from his same-titled album. His voice reminds me of Al Green.
Steam – Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye [J-Ski Extended] (1969)
The single version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, on December 6 and 13 of 1969. It was Billboard's final multi-week #1 hit of the 1960s and also peaked at number twenty on R&B chart. By the beginning of the 21st century, sales of ‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’ had reached almost 7 million records.
Funk Inc – We Can Be Friends (1973)
Superior funky jazz from the great Funk Inc. From the album ‘Hangin' Out’ released on the Prestige label. Produced by Ozzie Cadena.
Ebony Rhythm Band – Light My Fire (2004)
On ‘World’s funkiest covers’, out on Cultures of Soul Records.
Willie Tee – Reach Out For Me (1970)
From his album ‘I’m the only man’ and recently put on a nice compilation/mix album, called ‘Soultown 2: a walk through the Capitol of soul’.
Una Mas Trio – Son Montuno [Smoove Remix] (2007)
The best mixes of Smoove are on a recently released album, called ‘First class’.
B-Movie Orchestra – Italia A Mano Armata (2012)
New album ‘The Ultimate in Thrilling, Erotic and Raunchy Filmmusic!! Volume 2’ coming out in January 2013.
Ahmad Jamal – Misdemeanor (1974)
Minimalist pianist Ahmad Jamal was a big influence on Miles Davis. In the seventies he started to use some funk elements in his music. This track was the result of it. Great piece of work!
Chet Baker – Evil Ways (1970)
Jazz trumpeter Chet Baker is known for his great records in the fifties, bus also for his drug addiction. By the end of the sixties his career was at its lowest point. To earn some money he made several albums with pop standards. His intimate style didn’t quite fit with the material, but this Santana track sounds really uplifting!
Herbie Hancock – Saturday Night (1980)
On this track we can hear Carlos Santana himself playing guitar. Herbie Hancock is a very interesting jazz-artist and best known for his hiphop track ‘Rockit’. He has experimented with all kinds of styles. ‘Saturday night’ is funky as hell!
Dexter Wansel – Life On Mars (1976)
Keyboard player / producer / songwriter Dexter Wansel was a busy man in the studios of Philadelphia International in the seventies and early eighties. This is one of his solo projects with some strong disco influences.
Anthony White – Hey Baby (1975)
His debut single on the Philadelphia International label. It's also on 'Philadelphia International: 40th Anniversary Box Set', which came out on Harmless Records earlier this year.
The Last Poets – It’s A Trip (1977)
Some hip hop before it was even born! From their album ‘Delights in the garden’.
Bobby Marchan – Push The Button (1974)
A great funky cut to close this mix with.
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