Tagine and the Funk Rock Movement
Before there was Rap there was Funk — and its legacy is still kicking-ass via talented "Funk Rock" bands like Tagine.
Tagine’s music and lyrics have both the “balls and brains” required for true funk rock. Not just a knock off, Tagine has bridged the gap between two genres like icons Jeff Buckley or Prince. Their genre-blending approach and universal appeal has found them opening for acts as wide-ranging Edwin McCain, Jonny Lang, Dada, The Nadas and Joe Firstman.
For those who’se only exposure to Funk is from “oldies” radio stations and re-runs of Baretta, let me re-introduce you... In the 70’s, Funk rescued the worthy elements of Disco (still smoldering after the dance crazed “burned baby burned”). Some legendary groups (Kool & The Gang, The Gap Band, etc.) not only gave the new sound life…but soul. The result was a new urban flair with jazz harmonies.
Today, while Mariah Carey is trying to sell records by turning Rap into Pop – there’s a retro-pop/rock resurgence in its bloom. Beneeth the chart-toppers, there is an explotion of bands that have evolved out of the R&B and Funk tradition. Take a closer listen to Maroon 5 or their influences Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox Twenty, Snow Patrol, Something Corporate, etc.
Here’s my personal introduction to Funk -- now and then.
1. Soul Finger by The Bar-Kays (1967)
2. Hollywood Swinging by Kool & The Gang (1974)
3. Phunklords by Funkadelic (1982)
4. You Dropped A Bomb On Me by The Gap Band (1982)
5. Elephants And Flowers by Prince (1990)
6. Takeover Baby by Big Chief (Rock) (1994)
7. Pony by Ginuwine (1997)
8. Battlefield Of Love by Lenny Kravitz (2001)
9. Love You Madly by Cake (2001)
10. Round And Round - (Soul mix, edit) by Tevin Campbell (2001)
11. Love Foolosophy by Jamiroquai (2001)
12. Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 (2002)
13. Let's Get It Started by Black Eyed Peas (2003)
14. Pardon My Freedom - (Maurice Fulton Inst mix, with !!!) by Groove Armada (2004)
15. Yeah!!! - (featuring Lil Jon/Ludacris) By Usher (2004)
16. Secret Solution by Tagine (2004)
The entire Funk-Rock playlist can be found on MusicStrands. Check it out; or build your own Funk playlist.
--Byron
