Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band Releases New Album Funk Life

Funk lovers rejoice! Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band are back with some brand-new music, and they’re funkier than ever. The talented Asheville, NC-based groove outfit dropped their much-anticipated fourth studio album, Funk Life, on Tuesday, June 2nd.  The eight-song collection is chock full of hot tracks, which showcase the band members’ sterling musicianship and impressive songwriting abilities.  The album is a worthy successor to their excellent 2013 release Onward!

According to the Booty Band’s website, Funk Life was conceived in the backseat of a 1972 Impala while the members were listening to a mixtape of P-Funk, Sly & the Family Stone, Aretha Franklin, Tower of Power and James Brown. And those inspirations are definitely apparent throughout this stellar LP but with the Booty Band’s own unique flavor. The album kicks off in style with “24/7.” The infectious groove is highlighted by John Paul Miller’s percolating wah-wah guitar licks and a dynamic horn arrangement.  And Al Al Ingram’s phat bass line keeps things nice and funky. The song also has a really cool music video, which was directed by Daniel Judson.

The album’s title track is an indelible funk groove that features a strong lead vocal performance from keyboardist/vocalist Mary Frances—aka Mama Funk. Another great track is the hard-funkin’ instrumental “Quick E.” This hot cut has some fantastic drumming from Lee Allen, and trombonist Derrick Johnson serves up a massively funky ‘bone solo.

The kinetic, high-energy “Wake Yo’Self” boasts a scorching organ solo from Mama Funk. And “Nah Brah” is an irresistible soul track, which is anchored by Ingram’s bumpin' bass line. He also handles the lead vocals on this cut.  The Booty Band drops a truckload full of funk on a badass cover of Lyn Collins’ “Mama FeelGood.” The cover features some super-tight drumming from Allen and a gritty lead vocal performance from Mama Funk, who more than lives up to her sobriquet. “Brand New Day” is a smooth laid-back track about taking control of your life and making efforts to improve it each day. The soothing soul groove features a great horn arrangement.

The album closes out with the wicked funk-rock track “Living The Dream.” JP Miller lets loose with some blistering fretboard funk on this dope cut.

Funk Life is a superb collection of tracks, and it shows that the Booty Band hasn’t lost a step when it comes to creating powerful funk grooves. The album is available for a free download at their website. The hard-working band has tour dates lined up throughout this month and in July. Their tour schedule is also available at their website.

Music video for "24/7"