Bootsy Collins is one of the all-time great funk and R&B bassists, besides being a consummate character. Born in Detroit, Collins formed the Pacesetters during the '60s, a unit that not only included vocalist Philippe Wynne (later of Spinners fame), but also George Clinton as a sideman. Collins and Clinton soon established a lifelong personal and musical friendship, and Collins and his comrades became part of the JB's, James Brown's backing band, from 1969 to 1971.
Collins' inspired, clever progressions and patterns were a vital part of such records asGet Up, I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine. The group became the House Guests after departing the JB's, until Collins joined Clinton's Parliament/Funkadelic empire in 1971. He co-wrote Tear the Roof Off the Sucker with Clinton and Jerome Brailey and established himself so effectively that Clinton urged him to form his own band. Bootsy's Rubber Band emerged in 1976, a spirited ensemble that included Collins brother Phelps (Catfish), as well as fellow James Brown band members Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker, Joel Johnson, Gary Cooper, Rick Gardner, and Richard Griffiths. (Collins also featured his alter egos Bootzilla and Casper, the Friendly Ghost as part of the stage act.)
Their debut LP, Stretchin Out in Bootsy's Rubber Band, and their second release, Ahh The Name Is Bootsy, Baby! equalled anything issued during Clinton's peak period for idiomatic diversity, clever, bizarre humor, and outrageous lyrics. Both Ahhand the third LP, Bootsy? Player of the Year, earned gold records and made it into the Top 20 on the pop charts. The single Bootzilla was his lone R&B chart topper in 1978, although The Pinocchio Theory also made the Top Ten. Read more and purchase Tickets here
Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks
Doors & Dinner: 6:30pm | Show: 7:30pm | Seating Chart | Menu $39 cabaret & SRO / $47 balcony (+ service fees)
No comments:
Post a Comment