Funk Piano

Opening with the Head Hunters version of "Watermelon Man" and closing with the electro-embracing crossover hit, "Rockit," Mr. Funk is a semi-random skip across Hancock's Columbia recordings, and it technically spans 1973-1983 (at least going by release dates), rather than the 1972-1988 range printed on its cover. Its track list looks more like a promo sampler for a round of reissues than a proper introduction to this productive and often trailblazing phase of Hancock's career. There are some very peculiar choices here. For instance, two cuts off Secrets (1976) are included, while the 1979-1982 albums Feets Don't Fail Me Now, Monster, and Lite Me Up are shut out.

The head of Springbok Records – Stephane Deschezeaux delivers a real vintage funk & disco time machine! Rare Funk Collection by Stephane Deschezeaux brings you back to the old days with the analog bass loops, shimmering synth & lead loops, authentic drum fills, punchy drum loops, bright pianos, talkbox vocals, effects, loads of single drum hits & MIDI's.

Grammy Winner Jeff Lorber is famous for launching the career of Kenny G, and his productions and collaborations with such greats as Dave Koz, Janet Jackson, Lalah Hathaway and Miles Davis! Grammy Nominated Paul Jackson, Jr. Is one of the world's most sought after guitarists, having been featured Michael Jackson's Thriller, many Whitney Houston hits, and much more. Grammy Nominated Everette Harp has recorded and shared the stage with such musical giants as Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Billy Joel, and Patti LaBelle. Jazziz magazine hails his "amazing virtuosity" and Jazz Time calls him "a rare talent." Simpatico is overflowing with soaring saxophone solos, brilliant guitar riffs, super funky piano solos and incredibly compelling melodies. Highlights include the uber-funky "Get Up With JFS," the romantic, heartfelt "Janyce," the spirited, joyful "Dreaming My Life Away," and much more !

Amsterdam Funk (2005) is an album by Free Fall, a jazz group that blends funk, fusion, and improvised jazz elements. The album showcases the band's ability to mix groovy, rhythm-driven compositions with intricate jazz improvisation. This work highlights the group's capacity to fuse European jazz sensibilities with American funk influences.

In the mid '70s, trumpeter Randy Brecker and his saxophonist brother Michael were the Wynton and Branford Marsalis of their jazz fusion day. This live date features the brothers performing with the WDR Big Band in Koln, Germany in 2003. Augmented by conductor/arranger Vince Mendoza, bassist Will Lee, and drummer Peter Erskine, the Breckers revive some of their hits from their classic LPs Back to Back, Don't Stop the Music, Heavy Metal Be-Bop, Detente, and Strap-Hangin'. Randy's full-bodied trumpet tones and Michael's Tranish sheets-of-sound sax appeal reveal their tradition-born technique applied to funk, world, and pop-oriented soundscapes. The peppery title track and the mid-tempo backbeat on "Sponge" reveal their mainstream jazz cred, and the oblique "Wayne Out" is a tribute to Wayne Shorter. The Latin-tinged "Shanghigh" is a shout-out to Randy's former boss Horace Silver, while the percussive "For Barry" reveals Michael's type of tenor madness. Contrary to some critics, these fusion cats could swing.

2013 two CD collection. Legendary keyboardist and composer Bob James is one of the major architects of the '70s jazz-funk sound, and is also notorious among a younger generation raised on hip hop. His early albums have been plundered for samples countless times, and his tunes "Nautilus" and "(Take Me To The) Mardi Gras" are two of the most revered b-boy classics, acknowledged as musical foundations of the hip hop movement. Amazingly, until now there has been no collection that focused on the funkiest side of the keyboardist's vast catalog, the years when his instrument of choice was the classic Fender Rhodes electric piano.

18 sterling slices of funk and soul courtesy of indie vibe institution Wah Wah 45s who are digging deep into their vaults and cherry picking some of their sweetest moments. Expect a tasty spread that ranges from the most pant-blazing bluesy swing (Jamie Finlay) to the instantly recognisable instrumental horn-led charms of one-man-groove-hurricane Gene Dudley by way of the raucous covers of the Hackney Colliery Band, the piano-tickling boogie of Henri-Pierre Noel and the hazy cosmic soul of Part Time Heroes… And every sweet spot in between.