World-famous a cappella group Pentatonix harness their vocal gifts to pay homage to Michael Jackson in their video “Evolution of Michael Jackson" (uploaded in 2015). The group performs a medley of some of the pop/soul legend’s biggest hits, covering his early days with the Jackson 5 through the Dangerous era. The talented quintet brings their flawless harmonies and creative vocal arrangements to these ageless classics.
Formed in Arlington, Texas in 2011, Pentatonix are one of the most successful a cappella groups in the world. They have sold more than six million albums in the U.S. alone and have earned three Grammys, as well as several other prestigious awards. And hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe flock to their sold-out concerts. Also, the group has shared the stage with music luminaries such as Stevie Wonder and Dolly Parton.
Additionally, Pentatonix’s videos garner millions of views on YouTube: "Evolution of Michael Jackson” currently has more than 32 million views, and their "Evolution of Music,” video has over 100 million views.
Group members are Scott Hoying (baritone), Mitch Grassi (tenor), Kirstie Maldonado (mezzo-soprano), Avi Kaplan (bass) and Kevin Olusola (beatboxer/ vocal percussions). Kaplan recently announced that he will be leaving Pentatonix after the group wraps up their world tour in September. He explained on a video posted at the group’s Facebook page that their fast-paced schedule had become too draining for him, mentally and physically, as well as prevented him from seeing family members and friends when he needed to.
Funk, jazz and R&B lovers get your ears and groove motors ready for some hot new music by bass wunderkind Mike Zabrin and his talented crew Funktastic. The 25-year-old musician, songwriter and producer is set to release his new album, Something In The Water, on June 6.
The 10-song collection is a worthy successor to Zabrin’s widely acclaimed debut album Funktastic (2014). Like its predecessor, Something In The Water seamlessly fuses funk, jazz, soul and R&B on its tracks, as well as showcases the Chicago-based musician’s tremendous chops and consummate production skills.
The album kicks off with the hugely funky “Here We Go Again,” which features a powerhouse vocal performance from Laura Burke. Zabrin puts an exclamation point on the funk with his stellar bass work. The track also boasts some dirty guitar licks from Dumpstaphunk’s Ian Neville and super-tight horns, including a funkified trumpet solo from Connor Bernhard.
The band mellows things out a bit on the second track, “Blinded by Love,” with guest vocalist Sam Trump serving up some smooth soul. The lush groove is underscored by the impeccable horn work from Jim Schram (saxophone) and Trump (trumpet). And Zabrin’s bass playing here is fluid and funky. The track has a really chill and relaxed vibe going on.
Burke illuminates “What Do We Call This?” with an incandescent vocal performance. The soul-drenched love jam boasts a terrific sax solo from Schram.
The album’s title track is a superb jazz-funk workout that showcases drummer Dana Thompson’s fantastic chops. The track also has an excellent horn arrangement, and Hayden Ashley kills it on keys. Burke adeptly handles the vocals here.
Zabrin delivers another incredible bass performance on the brilliant jazz-fusion instrumental “Slice.” The track also features some more dazzling sonic pyrotechnics from Funktastic’s badass horn section. “Slice” is followed by the gorgeous “Where I Stand,” featuring Burke on vocals.
The second half of the album starts off with the luminous soul ballad “Only,” which features award-winning Chicago vocalist Sarah Marie Young.
Things get funky again with “You Stepped In A Dream,” another potent jazz-fusion instrumental that showcases the band members’ impressive musical abilities. The album closes out with two more amazing fusion instrumentals, “Familiar Faces” and “Count It In Again,” respectively.
Something In The Water is a really strong sophomore effort, displaying Zabrin’s consistency and versatility as a musician, producer and songwriter. For those who love listening to great music performed by extremely talented musicians, this collection is definitely worth checking out.
In addition to those already mentioned, the Funktastic crew also includes Jeff Swanson (guitar), Doug Ferdinand (keyboards), Kiana Mayes (vocals), Ron Jacoby (trombone) and Nathan Mark (drums).
Check out Zabrin's website to preorder Something In The Water,concert dates,and other Funktastic-related info.
Video for "Here We Go Again,"
the first single from the album
With the recent one-year anniversary of Prince’s death on April 21, I’ve been binging out on his music and videos over the last few days. During the binge, I came across this great clip of him sharing the stage with Sheryl Crow for an electrifying performance of her song “Everyday Is a Winding Road.” The performance took place on August 22, 1999 at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and was part of the Lilith Fair music festival.
This clip illustrates Prince’s incredible versatility as both a musician and performer. He was right at home in this country-rock milieu; he contributes some sweet country licks on guitar and brings some church to the proceedings with his gospel-infused vocals. And Crow delivers a bluesy vocal performance. She can definitely get down when she wants to.
Additionally, the Purple One transfixes the audience with a soul-stirring guitar solo. You can see the passion and pure joy he had for the act of playing and performing here--a true artist in every sense. He and Crow elevated an already terrific song with this powerhouse performance.
Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band are known their good-time funk music and creating a fun party atmosphere at their shows. The Asheville, NC-based groove outfit definitely brought the funk and fun on their 2007 track “Funk on Friday.”
The freewheeling funk groove boasts a superb horn arrangement with Greg Hollowell on sax and Derrick Johnson on ‘bone. And lead guitarist John-Paul Miller serves up some fantastic fret work while Ric Bennett holds down the groove with his extra-funky drumming. The song has a loose Fat Tuesday jamboree flow goin’ on and features a cool old-school-style rap from Josh Phillips. It's the perfect track to kick off the weekend on a funky note.
“Funk on Friday” is from the Booty Band’s critically acclaimed debut album, Now You Know, released in 2007. The band’s full lineup at the time of the album’s release was Al Al Ingram (bass and vocals); Greg Hollowell (alto and tenor saxophone); John-Paul Miller (lead guitar and vocals); Derrick Johnson (trombone), Ric Bennett (drums); Josh Phillips (vocals, percussion and rhythm guitar); Grady Gilbert (rhythm guitar); and Suzanna Baum (vocals).
Since the Booty Band dropped Now You Know, they have consistently released great music and are a badass live act; their concerts are like one big funky party. The hard-funkin’ band has some concerts lined up for May, July and August. Check out their website for show dates and music release info on new music releases.
The Booty Band performing "Funk On Friday" at the Emerald Lounge in Asheville
In addition to Lionel Richie’s high-charting ballads, the Commodores were known for Southern-fried funk jams such as “Gimme My Mule," one of the Alabama-bred band’s funkiest releases.
Ronald LaPread anchors the gutbucket groove with an insanely funky bassline. The track also boasts a wicked horn arrangement, nasty guitar licks, and some sweet clavinet work from Milan Williams. And Richie delivers a raw, earthy lead vocal performance.
The song was written by LaPread, and its title references the unfulfilled promise of "40 acres and a mule" to newly emancipated slaves following the Civil War. It also touches on the virtues of living in a small country town versus the hustle and bustle of the big city.
"Gimme My Mule" was the first single from the band’s third album, Movin’ On, released in 1975. The song failed to crack the Billboard charts. The album’s big hit was Richie's soul ballad “Sweet Love,” which peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on Billboard's R&B singles chart.
Following “Gimme My Mule,” the Commodores continued to release great funk tracks, including these groove nuggets: “Fancy Dancer,” “Thumpin’ Music,” “Brick House,” “Funky Situation,” and “Too Hot To Trot."
Funk legend George Clinton will receive the SESAC Legacy Award at the 2017 SESAC Pop Music Awards, which will take place on April 13 in New York City. Clinton was the key architect and guiding force behind Parliament-Funkadelic, one of the most iconic and influential funk bands of all time.
With Clinton at the helm, P-Funk set the music world on fire in the 1970s with its rich gumbo of funk, rock, soul, gospel, psychedelic-soul and blues. The innovative groove outfit has had a significant impact on contemporary music, particularly in the genres of R&B, funk, dance, electro funk and hip hop; P-Funk’s massive influence on hip hop is probably second only to James Brown’s.
Some of the big-name artists and bands that have been majorly influenced by P-Funk include Prince, OutKast, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Gap Band, Dr. Dre, Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy and Digital Underground, to name of few.
Clinton, who was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, wears many hats as P-Funk’s leader: producer, songwriter, singer, impresario, talent wrangler and prolific idea’s man. Clinton’s boundless imagination, charisma and strong production skills coupled with the stellar talents of some of the baddest musicians on the planet made P-Funk of one the most important music acts not only of the 1970s but of any era.
And in addition to his work with P-Funk and its many offshoots, Clinton has released top-notch music in his solo efforts, including the acclaimed in 1982 album Computer Games, which contains the influential funk anthem “Atomic Dog.”
Over the last several years, the P-Funk mastermind has become an outspoken advocate for creators’ rights, particularly in copyright reform and royalty collection. His advocacy coincides with SESAC's focus on artists' rights.
Established in 1930, SESAC Holdings is the only U.S.-based Music Rights Organization that administers public performance, mechanical, synchronization and other rights.
By 1973, the Jackson 5 had begun to shed their bubblegum-soul sound in favor of funk-laced dance grooves. The sizzling “Get It Together” exemplifies this new sonic direction. This was the funkiest single the J5 had released up to that point, and it still ranks as one of their funkiest tracks. The percolating groove features crackling clavinets, dynamic strings, poppin’ congas, funky bass and nasty guitar licks.
Michael Jackson delivers a gritty lead vocal performance, displaying a newfound maturity in his voice. The 15-year-old pop/soul star adapted well to the changes in his voice brought on by puberty. And his brothers provide their signature smooth harmonies with some very soulful turns from Jermaine Jackson.
“Get It Together” was the lead single and title track from the group’s eighth studio album, released in September 1973. The song was written by Hal Davis, Don Fletcher, Berry Gordy, Mel Larson and Jerry Marcellino; and session guitarist Arthur Wright arranged it. It performed extremely well on the U.S. R&B singles chart, peaking at #2, and was a modest hit on the U.S. pop charts, climbing to #28.
The J5 would bring the funk whenever they performed “Get It Together” live. They performed it on The Bob Hope Show, Soul Train, One More Time and The Jacksons TV Series. The group would also raise the roof with this hot cut in concert.
The Jacksons performing "Get It Together" in New Orleans during the 1979 Destiny Tour
