Maceo Parker

“Maceo! Blow your horn!” That’s how James Brown would dynamically signal his favorite horn player to take another stinging sax solo — and Maceo Parker never once let his boss down. Parker’s jabbing workouts in the midst of “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” and “Cold Sweat” made him a household name among ’60s funk fans — not bad for a kid fresh out of college who got the gig primarily because Brown coveted his brother Melvin’s drumming chops.

Altoist Maceo Parker has spent most of his career in R&B funk bands, most notably those led by James Brown, George Clinton, and Bootsy Collins. This CD gave him a chance to stretch out as a leader, and his soulful horn immediately brings to mind Hank Crawford and (to a lesser extent) Lou Donaldson. With a strong backup group that includes Pee Wee Ellis on tenor, trombonist Fred Wesley, and Don Pullen on organ, Parker enthusiastically plays over infectious grooves with just one funky departure ("In Time"). Roots Revisited is a throwback to the 1960s soul-jazz style and Maceo Parker gives one the impression that, if called upon, he could hold his own on a bebop date.

This is a rare kind of music film. A portrait of a musician better known as a sideman than as a star. The classic recordings of funk music pioneer James Brown are frequently punctuated with a cry of "Maceo!" which listeners often assumed to be some funky catchphrase of Brown's own invention.

Maceo Parker - Mo' Roots (1991)
MP3 | 320Kbps | 146 MB
covers | Label: Minor Music/Verve | Total time: 60:07

Mo' Roots is exactly what the title describes it as being. Mo' Roots is a pure bop jazz album and a brilliant one at that. Unlike other Maceo Parker albums, Maceo sticks to bop jazz and incoporates few elements of funk into this brilliant work. Not to say there is anything wrong with his other albums, however this is to die for. Perfect for intoxicated social gatherings. This is the best album i have heard in ages. Simply brilliant.

- Amazon.com

Funk legend Maceo Parker is to release his first new studio album in 8 years. Soul Food - Cooking with Maceo will be released on 26 June, 2020 and will be the first album on the Mascot Label Group new imprint, The Funk Garage.

Undoubtedly one of the best known sax players in the history of funk, predominantly through his work with James Brown ("Play, Maceo!"), Maceo Parker has had a spotty recorded solo career. His eighth album as a band leader finds the horn honker expanding his palette by aiming his instrument at smooth jazz and rap, while inviting fans Ani DiFranco, James Taylor (?!), and Prince to add superstar spice to his soul stew.