FMN :: Funk Music News

Galactic’s Album Advanced Streaming!! Release 2/21. + Exclusive FMN Interview!!!

Funk Music News — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:56:52 +0000

What a treat we have for you today!! You may recall that our very first FMN interview was with bassist Rob Mercurio, of New Orleans jazz/funk group Galactic. In that interview four months ago, Rob revealed the name and some details of the Carnival Electricos to FMN exclusively before press! You can hear that interview below, as well as have an advanced listen of the album, which is slated to be officially released tomorrow!!

Here is the first track off the anticipated album. Listen to the whole thing here on Soundcloud.

The FMN Interview:

In personal reflection, I used to go to all the Galactic shows, and each time was equivalent to taking a shower in LSD and leaving the venue a new person. If you haven’t yet seen them live, invest in the memories!! Here’s an extra treat, a live show recorded and shared by Anti Records.

Also watch 3/29 on Cowan…

Frankie Kash Waddy’s Visionary Art – Ltd. Time To Get Yours!

Funk Music News — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:04:59 +0000

http://www.frankiekash.com/

Frankie Kash Waddy, drummer of P-Funk, has released a colorful collection of his own artwork. Waddy appears to have created all the pieces by photographing his drumming using LED drum sticks and a long camera exposure. Many of the works seem to have metaphysical themes, such as his figure of a pheonix-like bird in colors of fire, or one piece called “Never Look Down” which displays a blue contour of a face looking upward at a beam of light in the sky. There are a total of 7 pieces in the collection and no two are much the same, besides the medium.

One canvas, Cosmic Circumstance, is a joyous cacophony of purple streams of light, cast over the soft image of Frankie’s face behind the sticks- an accidental but stunning self portrait. Still, as a true artist admits that perhaps the art makes its way through him, but not necessarily to his credit, Frankie explains giving over to the creative impulse. “If you release yourself to the spiritual world, that spirit will come through you, and come out in your work. Sometimes you don’t realize it because we’re just vehicles. It’s almost angelic to me; I see an angel there (speaking of Beamin’ Up). I see art is through one’s own interpretation” Frankie describes more of his pieces in short custom videos accompanied to many pieces, revealing inspiration and reflections of the artist.

These pieces are truly stunning and there is a limited supply- in fact, only 100 pieces have been released as of February 15th. Each piece is signed and numbered by Frankie and sent with a certificate of authenticity. Submit your reservation on Frankie’s site to order your own piece of funk history!

Dr. Funkenstein, Ph.D – George Clinton Receives Doctorate Degree from Berklee College 2012 – EXCLUSIVE Video!!

Funk Music News — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:12:09 +0000

EXCLUSIVE!! More coming soon, including a board mix of the event!!

Heart & Song: Remembering Whitney Houston

Funk Music News — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:12:44 +0000

Artwork by Derrick Trotman

I want to start this post on a personal reflection. Whitney Houston has meant an enormous deal to me since I was born into a world of her power ballads and energetic dance songs. What Whitney did then, that singers don’t do today– besides perfecting her craft instead of leaning on autotune — is TEACH, PREACH and make the world a better place. She wasn’t known for her ability to wow crowds with stage sets or over-the-top costumes, but for an insightful honesty of the human spirit- an intrinsic emotive value that is timeless as the dawn, and the source from which she captivated the globe’s attention. That is the only way Whitney should be remembered, despite the Hollywood craze to exploit her history of partying and the uncertainty that it played a hand in her passing. With a life like hers, having inspired so many millions of people around the world, I would like to remember Whitney for her best. I would like to respect her as the teacher who helped others to believe in the power of love, the power of confidence, honesty, and bravery in even the weakest of listeners. She was a type of Joan of Arc of our age, for that alchemistic power. Her music made her seem almost superhuman, though domestic low-points and legal troubles exposed the star as uncontestably mortal. Nonetheless, Whitney is and always shall remain an icon, and the young people today need to know why she is so important to us. It was not only her beauty, the fact that the woman preferred true class over flash, and it was not only her incredibly strong, clear, and effortless voice which brought life to each lyric. Whitney was a respectable, intelligent, articulate, and god-graciously talented humanitarian. Whitney lived with a full heart, sharing songs which empowered the listeners. As I was just a child when she ruled the charts, I learned to revere artistry for its merits in human change and the ability to uplift the weak to see they are strong. Her conviction became my own, and for that I am honored to have grown up with a guiding light. I often worry about the children today, that if, as Whitney warned they “are the future” and we must heed what messages they take in as young people, messages which ultimately influence their values as they grow up. While the early 90′s R&B provided my young ears with lessons about safe sex, abolishing prejudice, empowering females, today’s mainstream music lacks not only the character of fully developed and aware adults, but those lessons which they could share to guide the children to be better people, to hold onto faith in their goodness, and to have the courage to act with heart, like a lion. Whitney helped my generation grow as individuals. When no other influence seemed to care, Whitney’s wooing could restore the most broken esteem. I can only hope that someday, an artist as well rounded as Whitney can emerge to uplift us all through heart and song.
—-The Report—–
Whitney reportedly passed away by nodding out while taking a bath, and slipping under the water. Her 18 year old daughter of father Bobby Brown was sharing a room with her mother and was reprimanded by police who kept her from entering the room. She was immensely distraught, and brought into the hospital this morning after a major breakdown. To make matters more tragic, Bobby Brown has lost both his mother and father in the past year. No doubt Whitney’s surviving loved ones are in a great amount of mourning and being tested greatly.

———————- Life Events & Important Figures—————-
Born to singer Cissy Houston, Whitney was inspired by her mother’s performances and decided to follow in her footsteps. Below is Cissy Houston in 1970 singing the Rondettes’ “Be My Baby”.

Cissy Houston was close with Aretha Franklin, who became Whitney’s godmother. Aretha and Whitney teamed up in 1989 for “IT Isn’t, It Wasn’t, It Ain’t Ever Gonna Be”

Whitney is not only an inspiration but has been a mentor of another notable singer, Brandy, who released her debut album at the age of 16 in 1994, Whitney also extended her grace to Brandy’s contemporary, Monica. The three ladies were reported to be together the day of Whitney’s passing, as Brandy and Monica prepared for a pre-grammy party thrown by Whitney’s mentor, Clive Davis.

Below, the pair duet for “It’s Possible”, from the movie Cinderella which stars Brandy as the antagonist, and Whitney as her fairy godmother.

Whitney said “Brandy is a sweet and innocent child, who really just needs encouragement to get to the next step”. Whitney made this sentiment innoculous with her hit “The Greatest Love of All”.

In 1998, Whitney performed the song live for Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday concert.

While Whitney struggled in her private life, media tabloids exploited rumors of domestic abuse, drug use, anorexia, and erractic behavior. Eventually Whitney confronted these torments in an expose with Diane Sawyer.

Last night FMN spoke with Kofi Burbridge of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, who are nominated for a grammy this year. Kofi was shocked and saddened to hear of Whitney’s passing and recalled touring with her in 1990-1991 for five months with the group After Seven, whom reflect the emotional R&B flavor Whitney epitomized at the time.

Many do not know that country star Dolly Parton penned “I Will Always Love You”, which is widely credited as the best love song of all time thanks to Whitney’s version of it. Some thought Dolly must have been jealous that so many believe Whitney wrote it, but Dolly jokes that “As long as they keep sending the money,” the fans can believe whatever they want. For while Dolly could unveil her pure sentiment so eloquently in lyrics, Whitney executed that song to vocal and emotional perfection, making the song a crossover hit and arguable the most popular ballad in the world. Says Parton to Billboard magazine on the death of Whitney, “Mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, ‘Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.’”

SoulTrain Flashmob!! Video

Funk Music News — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:31:37 +0000

Word on the street is that at 4pm in Times Sq., a flashmob is being called in to rock the SoulTrain Line with the funkiest moves imaginable. In tribute to the great Don Cornelius who led us through the dancefloor of several decades of groovy music, the SoulTrain flashmob gives its greatest respect the way Don would have loved to have seen. Pictures will come soon- if you’re in NYC, go get your flyest threads on and celebrate the American spirit!!

(post-this post) Full Screen News Report on the event:
http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_t0az5fr3/uiconf_id/6501231

Name Bootsy’s Guitar CONTEST!!

Funk Music News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:33:05 +0000

As shared from Bootsy’s Facebook page,

“NAME this Guitar CONTEST!!
Recording artist Malina Moye, Fender and Glam Guitars Bill Valaika and Megan Dalbey designed this one of a kind Fender Stratocaster with over 5,000 Swarovski crystals. Help us name the guitar before we auction it off. The Bootsy Girl Guitar was played by the one and only Malina Moye at NAMM 2012 for The John Lennon Tour Bus 15th anniversary with Bootsy Collins & The Funk Unity Band. The newly named guitar will continue to make its rounds in videos, performances and it will be signed by some of the biggest Icons in the industry, before it is auctioned off to raise funds for the Bootsy Collins Foundation/ Bootsy Girl campaign. So what are you waiting for? CLICK ON LINK TO GET STARTED…..

http://bootsycollins.com/bootsy/bootsygirl.html “

Soul Train Host Don Cornelius Takes His Own Life (RIP 2/1/12)

Funk Music News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:59:39 +0000

In tragic news, Soul Train creator and host from 1970-1993, Don Cornelius, has been found dead in his home in Sherman Oaks, California, reported succumbed to a self inflicted gun wound to the head.

Cornelius, 75, created and hosted Soul Train in 1970 while a journalist and DJ in Chicago. Within a year, he had production set up in LA and Soul Train was a nationally syndicated Saturday morning and after school dance show, featuring performances from local support like Sly & The Family Stone, and recording their pilot with Gladys Knight.

The show influenced the creation of music television, MTV notably, which launched 10 years after Soul Train’s debut, and to which the program moved to in the 90′s. Cornelius was proud to give an outlet for ethnic-influenced programming and opportunities for lesser-known black artists, amidst a monopolizing white agenda of most networks. By carving out a special niche with committed fans who grew with the music, Cornelius effectively ushered in the cult followings for dozens of funk and R&B artists who were still struggling for a mainstream break. In fact, the group Shalamar is said to have come together through dancing on the show. Young Michael Jackson adopted Shalamar dancer’s Jeffrey Daniels’ “backslide” step into the “moonwalk”, as well as the robot, and Madonna’s “vogue” dancing was actually called “waacking” in its Soul Train days. Dig Michael dancing in the 70′s undoubtedly influenced from Soul Train (the 1st clip is from him on the show):

When it came to getting down, you couldn’t find a better resource for the freshest, funkiest moves on the floor than good ol’ Don’s program. The show is an obvious influence in the breakdance culture that emerged from the late 70′s when funk songs began to be sampled in the first forms of hip hop. The dancers in the 70′s Soul Train, in particular, carried incredibly varied and imaginative steps. Just check out “BoogieLand” below:

Additionally, you couldn’t be on Soul Train without some fly duds! Just dig the butterfly collars, high-waisted bell bottoms, and platforms of the early 70′s with “Jungle Boogie” (below).

The influence has integrated into many social aspects of US celebrations, such as the very common “Soul Train lines” at weddings, BBQ’s, school dances and more, as a chance for every partygoer to express their unique zest for life through wild moves. Don Cornelius gave the American people a chance to embrace a colorful form of creativity and self-confidence, so vital to coming out of the struggles of the 60′s, when people needed their relief and joy back more than ever. That spirit continued to inspire generations, each finding their own relevant musical trends and styles through the program, helping to form a sense of identity to the youth of America. The show lasted til 2006, but continues to bring laughter, memories, and great ideas for the dancefloor to those who seek it out. As Don would always end his shows with an uplifting farewell, “You can bet your last money, it’s all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I’m Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!” You as well, Don. Thank you for the memories.
source

Full Force’s Paul Anthony Discloses Struggle with Cancer on Unsung; FMN Exclusive Interview with brother Bowlegged Lou

Funk Music News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:00:28 +0000

As we all anticipated the Unsung special on Full Force to be released January 31, I expected to hear stories of the Anthony brothers’ great success from New Jack Swing group Full Force into becoming notable producers and songwriters for today’s top mainstream talent. While the exclusive interview BowLegged Lou did with Funk Music News/Musenomix in December discussed much of this excitement, Lou kept mum on the topic of his brother’s health issues.
Recently, Full Force’s macho man Paul Anthony George was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer which has no cure known to this day.
Thankfully, Lou is a match for donating blood if needed, and Paul has not been phased by the sometimes depressing reactions to such news. Instead, Paul is fighting it out, both for himself and for others. Reportedly, the Anthony family is canvassing cancer research groups and building awareness for the cause. Additionally, Paul is focusing on natural improvements to his diet, exercise, and spirituality, keeping his esteem high through the treatment.
As mentioned, last month FMN recorded a great audio interview with BowLegged Lou on the Cambridge radio station WMBR. Enjoy the archive:
http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F32430306&show_artwork=true

D’Angelo is BACK!! w/ Kendra Foster of P-Funk!

Funk Music News — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:42:28 +0000

The man credited with creating “Neo-Soul” music, D’Angelo, the funky minimalist with soulful pipes, is back on the stage this year. Kicking off with a gig in Paris, fans are scouring the web hoping to find out about any more gigs, perhaps a new album, and videos recorded from the run in Europe. Backing him is no other than P-Funk’s songbird Kendra Foster, whose birthday was this week!! Read the colorful article from The LA Times music blog for a full story, and dig a video from the Paris performance below.

Happy Birthday Kendra Foster!

Funk Music News — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:37:33 +0000

P-Funk’s lovely Kendra Foster is celebrating her birthday today. Go ahead to her Facebook and “Like” the sweet lady of funk and send your greetings!