Funk in the First Degree - Funk Music Talk and Interviews: Recent Episodes
John M Ellison, III
On this episode from the Funk In The Funk Degree archives, John and Roundtabler alumnus Dr. G (George Darden) remember and discuss the impact of James Brown on Funk and Pop music in this revealing episode.
John remembers original Roundtabler, DJ Mike Hall who passed away recently. Here is a repost of a past episode he participated in.
Rest In Power Mike Hall
After almost a six year absence Bob Davis returns to the Funkisphere in this riveting episode.
John brings a new feature to the show, "Uncovered Funk" where he talks about and breaks down B-sides, Alternate Mixes and Deep Cuts from the Funkisphere.
Bob Davis of soul-patrol.com joins John in the Funkisphere to wrap up their conversation of all things funky for the Summer of 2017.
Bob joins John back in the Funkisphere for his 8th appearance for the Summer of 2017 to talk about all things Funky.
John and the fellas wrap up their conversation on all things Funky that occurred during the Summer of 2017.
John and the funky fellas talk about all things funky that have transpired so far in the year 2017.
John talks about the great history and legacy of the genre that emanates from the Crescent City and the artists that put it on the map.
John is in a celebratory mood as Funk In The First Degree hits the 100th episode
as he marks this milestone in the Funkisphere!
He talks about the podcast, it's inception, and plans for the show moving forward.
Bob Davis of www.soul-patrol.com rejoins John in the Funkisphere to talk about all things funky in this 2016 wrap up.
On this episode, John talks about and shares his thoughts over a new book about Curtis Mayfield written by his Son, Todd
John talks about the recent issue of previously unreleased Betty Davis recordings during her brief stint at CBS from the late 60's and commentary about the late Walter "Junie" Morrison in this enlightening episode.
Sly Stone is the latest inductee to the Mt. Rushmore of Funk. John tells us why in this exciting episode!
John and the fellas Keith, Bo, and the returning Lindsey Robinson wrap up 2016 in the Funkisphere in this year end episode.
John talks to Bob Davis of Soul-Patrol.com from the summer of 2016.
They talk about all that has transpired from the Funkisphere at that time.
The Funkisphere is still mourning the loss of his Purple Badness, Prince who passed away. John shares some of his thoughts about the icon and his legacy.
John talks about Maurice White founder, and leader of the supergroup Earth, Wind and Fire and his influence on the Funkisphere.
John remembers comedian, bawdy rapper Blowfly who passed away recently and goes back to the funky book corner with a revie of Rick James memoir "Confessions of a Super Freak" on this episode.
John talks about Songwriter,Producer,Music Legend Allen Toussaint who passed away recently in this revealing episode.
Roundtablers Keith,Bo, and newest member Lindsey discuss all things funky of the year 2015.
John talks about the latest CBS release of Sly & The Family Stone at the Fillmore in 1968.
Soul Patrol's Bob Davis returns to the Funkisphere to lend his insight, and analysis to all things Funky in this exciting episode!
John talks to Cartoonist, Illustrator, Musician and Songwriter, "Stozo The Clown" He and this ,"Funkster" talk about his work with George Clinton, The Horny Horns, Fuzzy Haskins and other Funk related projects in this revealing episode.
John talks about seeing Kool and the Gang and Chaka Khan and runs down his last "Funky Five".
John welcomes back Keith and new roundtabler,
Wilmon "Bo" Fridie as they discuss the latest
happenings in the Funkisphere.
On this episode John talks about the latest entry to the Mt. Rushmore of Funk,
The Genius, Ray Charles and his accomplishments.
John also shares obits about Ben E King, B.B. King
and a note about the unexpected passing of Bassist, Louis Johnson
of the Brothers Johnson fame
On this episode, John reveals the first inductee on the Mt Rushmore of Funk. He also has some Sly and The Family Stone news and comments on the ruling over the recent hit song, "Blurred Lines".
John talks to Drummer "extraordinaire" Manuel The "Deacon" Kellough.
He shares with us his amazing journey from playing
with Billy Preston, Ray Charles, Graham Central Station
to his current musical projects.
MannyKellough.com
John wraps up his conversation with Neftaili Santiago former Drummerfor the group Mandrill. Neftaili has more stories about the band, and discusses his current projects.
On part one of this episode, John talks to Drummer Neftali Santiago
formally of the group, Mandrill.
We learn about Neftali's roots in music, and how he joined the band.
On this episode, John invites you to post your "Mt Rushmore of Funk" along with his thoughts on a recent tribute to Stevie Wonder, and Funk news on George Clinton.
On this episode, John takes a look back at the word "Funk"
how the medium of Radio finally accepted it and
how it eventually joined the lexicon of society and culture.
John and the Funky Fellas, Dr.G, Keith Allen, and DJ Mike Hall,
wrap up all that was funky in the year 2014.
John also reports on Sly Stone
winning his multi-million dollar law suit
from his former Manager and his former Music Attorney.
John and the fellas, Dr.G, Keith Allen, and DJ Mike Hall look back at some of the Funky events of 2014. They also review the group Cameo's recent concert performance here in the DMV and much more.
The song "Uptown Funk" featuring Bruno Mars has found it's way to the Funkisphere. John shares his thoughts and poses a question to you for your feedback in this intriguing episode.
The Artist, Prince, is back on Warner Brothers and has released his latest effort, "Art Official Age." John shares his thoughts on Prince's latest offering in this illuminating episode.
Bob Davis of www.soul-patrol.com joins John in the FIFD Universe for a year end review of newsworthy events of this past year, 2014.
John shares his thoughts on "Get On Up" the James Brown bio-pic that came out earlier this year. He's (John) always fascinated by the recurring interest in JB but, is more intrigued by the treatment of his music by his former record label, Polydor.
Funk dudes John and Dr. G see Funk Icon George Clinton at a private invitation only event in DC as GC promotes is Memoir, "Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain't That Funkin' Kinda Hard on You?" Clinton is interviewed on stage, finds out more about his family linage, signs copies of his book, takes pics with his fans, and fields questions from the audience.
John wraps up a fascinating conversation with Funk Diva/Icon Patryce “Choclet” Banks
to conclude this memorable episode!
In this the first part of a great conversation, John talks to the Icon/Diva, Patryce Choclet Banks. They talk about her beginnings, and her early life's journey, and entertaining stories as she entered the "Funkisphere" !
John uncovers a fascinating video of Sly and the Family Sone in the Studio listening to the classic track, "Family Affair" John shares his thoughts and why you should see and enjoy this video.
Soul/Funk legend Bobby Womack passed away recently John's is looking for your feedback to include shout outs and your stories as we pay homage to this great music icon in an upcoming episode.
John and Funk-dudes Keith, Dr. G, and the returning DJ Mike Hall are back together for another funky, entertaining, and enlightening episode.
John is back (finally) with a new episode! He returns to the Funky DVD Corner and shares the real reason that may have brought Prince and Warner Brothers back together.
John returns to the funky book corner to share with you what he's been reading lately and maybe you should too.
John celebrates the birthday of one of his musical heroes, Sly Stone, in the Funkisphere!
In this episode, John explains what a Producer of Funky Music does and details the setlement between the Estate of the late Marvin Gaye and Robin Thicke over Mr. Thicke's mega hit," Blurred Lines."
The Funk Icons -- Leo Nocentelli, Bernie Worrell and Fred Wesley -- a trio of unsung legends whose playing was a driving force behind three of the most influential bands in the Funkasphere -- brought in the New Year with a rousing show at the Howard Theater on Jan. 2 before a small but enthusiastic crowd that braved the snowy, slushy weather.
The first Icon to appear was Leo Nocentelli, the guitarist for the legendary funk-instrumental band, the Meters. Nocentelli opened with one of the slinkiest grooves of all time, "Cissy Strut," which sounds as cool today as when it came out in 1969. Laying down the rhythm was Bill Dickens on bass and Stanton Moore on drums. The trio then played some free-form funk jams as each instrumentalist took an extended solo showing off his ample chops.
Then Icon No. 2, Bernie Worrell, co-founder of Parliament-Funkadelic, joined the trio and wowed the crowd with his funkafied musings on organ and synthesizer. Worrell is the Phantom of the Funk, whose creeping keyboard intro sets the ominous tone for "Chocolate City" and iconic synthesizer blast ignites "Flashlight."
Then Icon No. 3 joined the quartet, the funkiest trombonist on Earth, Fred Wesley. "Pass the Peas" and "House Party" inspired the hardy crowd to take to the dance floor and exchange chants of "Party!" with Wesley. The highlight of the entire evening was the quintet's blazing version of "Red Hot Mama" with Nocentelli doing the late great Eddie Hazel proud with a blistering guitar solo, and Worrell, who co-wrote the song for Funkadelic in 1974, singing a soulful lead, telling the sordid tale of "red hot mamma from Louisiana, thumbin' her way to Savannah."
All in all, an enriching concert that traced three distinct roots of the Funk tree. Nocentelli's slinky N'awlin grooves, Worrell's funk with a rock kick and Wesley's JB-grooves, the tap root from which all funk sprouted. It was truly a night of Funk in the First Degree.
John talks to talented trombonist and multi-instrumentalist Greg Boyer. They talk about Greg's career and current projects.
In part two, John and Bob Davis talk about and comment on the events that transpired onwww.Soul-Patrol.com and in the Funkisphere for 2013.
In part one of a two-part conversation, John and Bob Davis talk about and comment on the events that transpired on www.Soul-Patrol.com and in the Funkisphere for 2013.
John and Funk-dudes Dr.G, and Keith Allen talk about the highlights and other events that transpired in the Funkisphere for 2013
John runs down his last Funky Five CD's he's been listening to and a classic DVD he's checked out recently
John wraps up his conversation with Rock and Roll Hall Of Inductee Jerome "Big Foot" Brailey as he shares great stories about his career, more tales about Parliament-Funkadelic, and his new music.
John talks to Rock and Roll Hall Of Inductee Jerome "Big Foot" Brailey about his career, his tenure with Parliament-Funkadelic, and his new music.
John talks to 'go-to' keyboardist Rod Lumpkin, who has played with Hamiliton Bohannon and Michael Henderson. Mr. Lumpkin talks about his career, his faith and working with Bohannon in the studio and Bohannon's upcoming performances at BB King's in NYC and the Howard Theatre in Washington, DC in March 2014.
Bootsy Collins was back in the DMV for a Halloween Concert at the Strathmore in Rockville, MD. Funk dudes Keith Allen and Dr. G were there to check it out.. Dr G shares with us some very special conversations with some Funky folks who helped make the show a success.
Bob Davis of Soul-Patrol.com is back in the FIFD Universe to wrap up another thought provoking conversation with John in the Funkisphere!
When John heard through the Funkisphere about this release, he couldn't wait to get it. He shares his thoughts with you on why you should have this release in your collection.
John and funk-dudes Dr. G and Keith Allen catch up on what's been happening since they last convened in the Funkisphere.
John's back and the site is back up after the FIFD site was "hacked" recently. Earlier episodes are being reposted over time. John teases what to come in upcoming episodes and where to go should the FIFD site go down again temporarily.
Bob Davis of www.Soul-Patrol.com and John catch up and discuss what's been happening in their respective worlds from Bob's last appearance.
John talks to Keyboardist/Producer Jason Miles and his latest project Global Noise as they re-visit and interpret the music of Sly and The Family Stone. Keep up with Jason Miles at www.JasonMiles.com
John shares his delight in seeing Billy Cox, the last surviving member of the Jimi Hendrix Bands, your listener feedback, and a upcoming feature coming to the site...
For more info on Billy Coz, visit his website www.BassistBillyCox.com ‘Like’ us on FACEBOOK! Facebook.com/FunkInTheFirstDegree
In this episode John runs down his last Funky Five, his excitement that Billy Cox the last Bassist of Jimi Hendrix's Band Of Gypsy's/Experience fame comes to DC to perform live, and news of a new Sly & The Family Stone compilation that has him excited!
In part two of a two part episode, John and Dr. G talk about and remember the legacy of the Icon, James Brown as they celebrate what would be his 80th birthday They share stories of their encounter with Mr Brown, and other musicians that have played with JB, and recall the final years of his music and his life.
*This is an updated file of original post of 6/1/2013..Enjoy! Thanks
In part one of a two part episode, John and Dr. G talk about and remember the legacy of the Icon, James Brown as they celebrate what would be his 80th birthday They speak of Mr Brown's importance and influence as an Artist and Activist in Black and Mainstream Pop Culture.
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John shares with you the latest Funky Flicks he's been watching, plus your listener feedback.
John reviews the double CD from Shuggie Otis, the reclusive genius who is touring to promote his newest, but previously unreleased music and also remembers Cordell :"Boogie" Mosson legendary Bassist/Guitarist for P-Funk who recently passed away. Here's a link to the new Funkadelic single, "The Nas" featuring Sly Stone in a prominent role. The single is available at www.georgeclinton.com for purchase.
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John's pretty funked up over the release and upcoming performance of reclusive genius Shuggie Otis, who has a double CD to include of his classic, "Inspiration/Information and new release Wings Of Love. Shuggie also comes to DC this weekend at the iconic Howard Theatre. He shares with you what he looks forward to and some other events that are happening in the Funkisphere..
GeorgeClinton.com
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John really Funks out on this episode. John reveals his last Funky Five, a new book in the Funky Book Corner, a new feature and video in the Funky Video Corner...Check it out! ‘Like’ us on FACEBOOK! Facebook.com/FunkInTheFirstDegree
John talks about the new posthumous releases from Jimi Hendrix, Teena Marie and a new Japanese CD issue of Jimmy Castor's Supersoundrelease.
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John continues his revealing conversation with Bob Davis of Soul-Patrol.comwhere they talk about the politics of the RRHOF, Race, and the further evolution of Soul Patrol.
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Bob Davis of Soul-Patrol.com
John talks to Bob Davis publisher, and co-owner of Soul-Patrol.com. Bob was at the vanguard in creating a website/hub that is focused and dedicated to "our culture" and in telling "our story". It's the first part of a two part conversation.
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