Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Songs
EVAN KOPCA
Assignment
The class can then take a poll or write down their top 3-5 favorite
tracks from what was played.
I view this song as one of the standard and most influential funk
songs ever written. Featuring Maceo Parkers revolutionary
saxophone tone and Fred Wesleys blaring trombone, the groove
and quirkiness of the song keeps listeners head bobbing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgkhThEMRr8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwHi10qX8u8
The version of this song I enjoy the most is from their Live at the
Blue Note Tokyo album. This fast paced work consists of high
energy, a virtuosic alto saxophone solo and a jazz organ solo. The
players maintain consistence and groove throughout the whole
tune and successfully keeps it funky.
http://royalfamily.bandcamp.com/track/soulive-tuesday-nightssquad-live-at-blue-note-tokyo
To me, the first Earth Wind & Fire song I always think of is Sing a
Song. This song has the upbeat late 70s disco vibe that keeps
listeners clapping and dancing with synth bass and the iconic
trumpet sound from the disco era. The lyrics are incredibly
positive and motivating as they encourage to sing and make
music (hence the title, sing a song).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBpsOu8jyU8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv9NSR-2DwM
I first this song a few years ago when I first got into the band
Lettuce. Lettuce is funk group that has only been around for a
few years, but have made a significant impact in creating new
music within the genre. This song has a much faster tempo than
most of the other songs on this list as it includes frantic
drumming a groovy breakdown and a horn tutti that keeps the
groove going to the very end of the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxqQqMT5q8A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mjQ1i5V7qA
This tune sounds more modern than the previous tunes listed
here. Synthesizer, distorted guitar and sampling can be heard in
Threadin The Needle. I especially enjoy this song because of
the tenor saxophone solo in the middle. Mars Williams plays the
tenor solo with technical virtuosity and groove and creates these
wailing sound effects towards the end that makes the solo
notable and unique.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgTM8TNZGo4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBWH3OWfT2Y
This is also one of the most iconic funk songs to have ever been
written. The sax and trumpet cues along with the persistent slap
bass and syncopated guitar chords keep the song groovy and
funky. Like the last song, I enjoy this tune because of its groove
and chorus, which can also be easily sung along to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5BP2KlPD4U