I discovered them during a small gig in a French shop, where they played to promote their new album “bumble beat”. Though they had a very basic settling (tiny stage, few amplifiers…) their sound’s harmony and balance was amazing. It is even more stricking as they were 8 musicians on the stage (and three were missing)! Still, the beat was heavy, the bass groovy and the sax, trumpet and others took well-balanced chorus and listened to each other as if they were jazz musicians. But the Freebeez play funk and an astonishing funk! That kind of old-school sound inspired by James Brown and Sly.
What I loved about their performance is that these middle-aged French musicians looked as if they had gone all through the hardships of trying to live from their passion. Yet they had this genuine joy, this respect for the funk’s fathers and an originality (surprising notes, old-fashioned clothes, French touch). I was really blown away! And actually, I only attended to their last song!
Today I woke up in cold sweat. I dreamt that there were only men in this world; I thought we could only have sex with machine. Then a white lightning struck and it was sunny outside. Ooooh! I felt so good! Sunrays started to hot my pants… It was time for payback. Hey America heard me! I was back and I was proud! I got up of that bed on the good foot, took my dad’s brand new bag and had a funky good time… Chicago’s ladies had a hell of a stormy Monday!
We all know James Brown. The Godfather is far far away now, but the groove remains. And what a groove! I could talk about it for hours, so let’s juste select one song…. Funky drummer!
Not so famous, not so original, but so powerful! The intro’s smoothness! James’ voice (and poetical lyrics 
over the perfect blend of all instruments! What a song! Yet, it has not been called funky drummer for no reason! It is really amazing to have such a beat whith so much softness. The drums is not especially deep, flat or loud, even the bass is very light. Then, how can they get our feet to move like that?? Well I guess that this the funk’s magic!
funky drummer
Here is nice web map about:
SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE
A great band that mixed soul and funk in a creative whirlwind. You cannot miss the specific colour of their sound. Dance to the Music, I get High on you, If you want me to stay, The Underdog, Family Affair… All these famous hits have inspired the new generation (the Red Hot, Jamiroquai, George Clinton…).
Live performances were amazing; people danced on the stage, the band improvised a lot and Sly was just amazing. His voice seemed to be made to bounce on Larry Graham’s (the guy who invented slap) groovy bass line.
Another point that explains the whole magic of Sly and the Family Stone is their fight against racism. At a time were black music was highly feared and criticised by the WASP they managed to write engaged song (such as the beautiful: don’t call me nigger whitey). Moreover, their band mixed black and white players. The result was certainly the best example that such a union could be most fruitful. Then came the usual troubles: drugs, big ego and divides… And the story ended.
Anyway, the groove remains the same. If DJs were playing more funk like Sly’s in the clubs, I am sure that there would not be so many guys drinking at the bar. Any time you need to cheer up, just listen to Sly. Your mouth will start smiling and your feet will start taping. Watch out, some say that after a few minutes the devil could go inside your head and make you dance like a demon…
