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Much to the delight of soul children throughout the Bay Area, a new rendition of the SF Funk Allstars is gathering at the Great American Music Hall on Saturday, March 15th.
Returning from round one is the punishingly swinging Zigaboo Modeliste (Meters, New Aahkesstra) behind the drum kit and consistently slinky guitarist Brian Jordan (on leave from his six-string duties in the Tiny Universe).
After counting it down like Dick Clark last November, one can only imagine what they’ll break off for us this time. What struck me the last time out was the easy flow of ideas between the players and the freshness of their constant invention. Undoubtedly, the same will hold true this time when they are joined by nimble low-end monster Bobby Vega (bass, Big E, Bembe Orisha, Zero) and the original keyboard deconstructionist himself, Bernie Worrell (Parliament-Funkadelic, Woo Warriors, Bernie Brains).
Sweetening the deal is an opening set from local favorites boomshanka and turntable superhero DJ Motion Potion enlivening the entire evening’s atmosphere with sticky sweet sounds.
As a warm-up for this singular night of music making, this new group of Allstars took time to participate in a virtual roundtable about matters funky.
1. What’s the funkiest tune in your personal arsenal? Which one shows off your skills in the best light?
From Zerolive.com |
Bobby Vega: Lately, the funkiest tune I've been playing is "Knock Yourself Out" by T.O.P. (Tower of Power).
Zigaboo Modeliste: “Nanny Goat Cheese” (funkiest tune in arsenal). “Standin’ in your Stuff” (shows off skills the best).
Brian Jordan: “Thank You For Talkin’ To Me Africa” by Sly and the Family Stone. That song is all about guitar funk!
Bernie Worrell: There's a lot - "Opus D'Light Years"
2. As an SF Funk Allstar, what exactly do you think is so funky about San Francisco? What’s uniquely funky about San Francisco, what sets its funk apart from other cities?
By H. Heikkinen |
Zigaboo Modeliste: San Francisco is just beginning to get funky again. The music here has been fresh and rich. The local funk bands of the Bay Area like Tower of Power and Sly Stone have all done well, but the new funk scene is coming back better than ever!
Brian Jordan: San Francisco is like funk music: an eclectic mix of things brought together to make one groovy thing.
Bernie Worrell: The people and surroundings, and the kids wanting the real thing and knowing what's real.
Bobby Vega: Growing up in San Francisco and going to the Fillmore and the Family Dog, riding the cable cars, the sights and sounds and feel of the city was a big influence on me and my style. The thing that stands out as distinguishing one funk "style" from another in San Francisco was the neighborhood thing. Being in San Francisco, we were surrounded by great music. T.O.P. was definitely Oakland, Sly and the Family Stone was the San Francisco sound, and Cold Blood characterized the "South Bay" sound. It almost had a feeling of being in a "gang", but instead of
knives and guns, we had our instruments. We didn't hate each other at all, but there was a certain amount of healthy rivalry.
3. Name a soul or funk song you think has been done to death and needs to be put to rest.
Bobby Vega: There is a difference between songs that are overdone, and songs that are just done badly. "Mustang Sally" comes to mind.
Bernie Worrell: Nothing should be put to rest.
Brian Jordan: “Brick House” by the Commodores.
Zigaboo Modeliste: I do not think anything is overplayed. The more funk the better.
4. Please offer a few thoughts about the other members of the SF Funk Fest Allstars.
Bernie Worrell: Zigaboo is a soulful, funky, majestic brother and friend. Bobby Vega and Brian Jordan are first time meetings, so can't give a true statement.
Zigaboo Modeliste: Bernie Worrell: I have only worked with Bernie on recording sessions. He is a phenomenal musician and I look forward to working with him. Bobby Vega: fantastic bass player that I have known for years. I do not know all his work but what I know is that his level of musicianship is outstanding! Brian Jordan: a beautiful guitar player with excellent style. I only played with him once before and it turned out to be so good, I look forward to working with him again.
Bobby Vega: I'm looking forward to playing with Bernie, I hear he's a bad rascal. Zigaboo is as funky as it gets! It'll be fun to be on stage with Brian again.
By Dino Perrucci |
Brian Jordan: I’d have to say at least fifty percent of what I know and love about funk music and textures in music in general come from listening to Bernie Worrell’s work in the various projects he’s been involved in. Listening to P-funk was a huge influence on me. That’s the music that made me want to play the electric guitar. Before that I just played acoustic guitar. Zigaboo is truly a living legend and pioneer of funk. He has helped to create and define the genre since it's beginnings. He’s an ultra-funky individual! You can’t front on real New Orleans Funk! Bobby Vega is pure funky skills. A monster bass player. Ultra Tasty. He definitely knows what’s up!
5. Besides “groovy” and “funky” what words do you use to talk about funk?
Bobby Vega: Instead of "funk", I say "The ‘F’ Word." More often than using words, I gesticulate. I guess you have to be there. And if it's real good, then it's "the shit."
Zigaboo Modeliste: Fonkey.
Brian Jordan: Percolating: when the rhythms are happening in such a way that they cause movement in your body; like when the coffee is brewing and you can hear it and smell it. You know something’s going on.
Bernie Worrell: I don't talk, I just play it.
6. Any pre-show rituals? Got a lucky shirt you always wear? A mojo hand palmed from the five & dime as a kid?
From Zigaboo.com |
Zigaboo Modeliste: I use “Purel” and I pray.
Brian Jordan: I keep my mind on the funk!
Bobby Vega: It's more a part of the job, but I always put on new strings. I keep a lucky silver dollar in my pocket. I bring my shark, that's my bass, and I am most comfortable with the weight and length of my own studded bass strap.
Bernie Worrell: Circle of prayer between band members.
7. Did your mama think you would grow up to be a funkateer? How’d she feel about you being a soldier in the soul army?
Bobby Vega: No. Mamma don't know funk from punk, but my wife knows and she's proud of it.
Bernie Worrell: No. I think she'd be won over.
By Dino Perrucci |
Brian Jordan: I think she knew I would grow up to play music.
Zigaboo Modeliste: Leave my Mama out of this. Anything I did, she loved it.
8. Quickly, what comes into your mind when you see the phrase “Zen Rhythms”?
Bernie Worrell: Spiritual and natural vibrations.
Brian Jordan: To me, the phrase “Zen Rhythms” implies rhythms that get the feel across while being very non-superfluous.
Bobby Vega: Hippies.
Zigaboo Modeliste: The ultimate in Pocketized Groove!
Dennis Cook
JamBase | West Coast
Go See Live Music!
Find rants, writing, ramblings and an archive of music articles at
denniscook.com
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