Funk Guitar

Los Angeles, January 21, 2014: CONAN is gearing up to celebrate funk on February 10 when the show brings in jazz-funk groove machine Rock Candy Funk Party (RCFP) - a band that delivers a sound that's as celebratory as the name suggests - for their late-night television debut…

The second album from the Brooklyn-based octet featured two releases: "High" and "Skyyzoo." The former is a moderately-paced groove showcasing the unison vocals of the Dunning sisters. Lightly arranged with an unruffled rhythm track and some guitar licks, the strings and horn complement this laid-back dance number. The single peaked at 13 after 16 weeks on the Billboard R&B charts. The follow-up, "Skyyzoo," was more of a antic-driven number. With its hyped vocals and various music gadgets, the song was an invitation to the dancefloor. It peaked at 32 on the charts after 11 weeks. The remainder of the album falls in line with these two singles save the ballad "Who's Gonna Love Me." and "Music. Music," which swings the way of rock with its heavy electric guitar and slashing vocals.

You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad - One of the true classics of Rock & Roll… Play it at full volume! On the 1973 release of their seventh studio album, it took producer Todd Rundgren to polish the pop. This is the album where they turned commercial and radio stations found comfort. The funk is still there, the hard rock is still there, but sonically, the record was sharp and detailed and the band's playing was tighter and more accomplished. The album's title song became Grand Funk's first gold-selling number one hit, it became there signature song and went on to be one of the biggest rock songs of all time. We're An American Band climbed to #2 on the album charts, the highest position of all their albums and a second single, "Walk Like a Man" also reached the Top 20.

The disco period in Johnny "Guitar" Watson's catalog was spotty at best. You I first heard Johnny while stationed in Australia, of all places. Luckily, we had a D.J. who was really up on his music - especially Funk and Soul. As soon as I heard Mr. Watson coming from the speakers, I just HAD to know who was making that driving, funky sound. I had to wait for the next supply ship to make it to our "out-in-the-bush-on-the-edge-of-the-world" Naval base (about two months) before I got my own copy of this album, but it was worth the wait. Between Rick James, Parliament, and Johnny "Guitar" Watson, it is a toss-up as to who is the funkiest. But, while the music is great, it is only half of the goods. Johnny's lyrics are the other half, and they are witty, funny, sometimes a social commentary (even then they are still funny and witty).