MUSIC
F
unk originated in the
mid 1960s and brought
with it a fierceness that did
not exist in R&B, Soul and
Jazz music prior. Instead of
focusing on melodies and
harmonies that were the
signature of Motown and
other labels, Funk focused
on complex grooves with
rhythm instruments such
as electric guitar, electric
bass, organ and drums
playing rhythms that were
tight and connected like
a interlocking brick driveway.
One could say that Rock
n Roll had a fierceness,
which it did, but within
a couple of years its fire
dimmed and was taken
over by crooners, “pretty
boys” and safe and predictable harmonies.
Interestingly James Brown,
one of the founding fathers of Funk was inspired
by artists like Little Richard
who to me was the fiercest of the Rock n Roll artists. Gay and black in a
time where being either
could get you killed did
not phase him. Where
most would hide and play
it small, he embraced his
potency and shone. In
fact, he shone so bright
that his light blinded
people. Not only did he
come out with fierce blazing light, he got most of
America to sing along as
he screamed Tutti Frutti.
This fierceness inspired
James Brown. James
Brown had the same manager and the same backing band as Little Richard.
When Little Richard had
a hit with Tutti Frutti, he
went to LA, leaving weeks
of southern tour dates
open. James saw an opportunity in this and went
as Little Richard. Rumour
has it that one crowd in
Alabama called him out
as an imposter, whereupon Brown apparently
rose to the challenge, doing backflips around the
stage until they no longer
cared.
On Up. If you are not familiar with James Brown
this soundtrack is a great
compilation covering the
big hits and some great
live tracks like “Please,
Please, Please”. The album also has a single
called Caledonia, which
if I am not mistaken has
not appeared on any
other record other than a
7” 45 RPM.
James Brown led the
path for some other fierce
Funksters such as George
Clinton and Prince. What
I love about funk is that
while the rest of Rock n’
Roll focused on the backbeat, Funk focuses on the
downbeat. When you
bring something in that
root it is almost as fierce
and gentle as Mother
Earth herself.
There is a lot of buzz about
James Brown this month
with a new biopic and
accompanying
soundtrack. I haven’t seen the
film yet, but I do love the
record. It’s called Get
Since 1994, Rishi Deva, founder and CEO of RishiVision and entrepreneurial
coach, has empowered thousands of businesses.
Rishi has an MBA in marketing and entrepreneurial studies and a BBA
in accounting. He has spent nearly twenty years coaching, consulting,
managing and supporting thousands of businesses from new startups
to active global leaders.
For more information on Rishi, please visit www.rishivision.com.