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Classic Funk: Original by Nathaniel Phillips, later MonoNeon

#5
Dr. Cheese said:
They should have done like Maurice White did for EWF and get outside help for songwriting because that was their weak link, IMHO.
Click to expand...
They did get initial help from Wayne Henderson (Jazz Crusaders). He was the one that “discovered” them.

Their first “hit”, with Joe Sample on keys…



They are from Portland Or and are a part of music history here. From my generation of folk. I use to see them in the local clubs and after-hours joints. Nate almost bought my 62 P bass from me, until I decided to keep it and tear it up and turn it into the DJ Bebop P Bass of Doom.😐

I have gigged and are friends with the trombonist Dan Brewster from the first version of the group.

We have tribute concerts here about them with former members taking part including Nate. They came out with a new album a while back...



As you might notice, I’m kinda a fan 😄
 
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#6
DJ Bebop said:
They did get initial help from Wayne Henderson (Jazz Crusaders). He was the one that “discovered” them.

Their first “hit”, with Joe Sample on keys…



They are from Portland Or and are a part of music history here. From my generation of folk. I use to see them in the local clubs and after-hours joints. Nate almost bought my 62 P bass from me, until I decided to keep it and tear it up😐

I have gigged and are friends with the trombonist Dan Brewster from the first version of the group.

We have tribute concerts here about them with former members taking part including Nate and they came out with a new album a while back...



As you might notice, I’m kinda a fan 😄
Click to expand...

Pleasure had help and a good run as a band. They did not get the caliber of production and songwriting talent Maurice White got, but they probably could not afford it either.
 
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#7
Dr. Cheese said:
Pleasure had help and a good run as a band. They did not get the caliber of production and songwriting talent Maurice White got, but they probably could not afford it either.
Click to expand...
Or during that time period, the record company didn't want to invest more into them. Pull in a songwriter or a team. This was the 70s but I think some of this was still lingering from the 60s…



Still I get your point, there was a lot of musicianship just not solid song writing.
More chances needed to be taken.



🤣
 
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#8
DJ Bebop said:
Or during that time period, the record company didn't want to invest more into them. Pull in a songwriter or a team. This was the 70s but I think some of this was still lingering from the 60s…



Still I get your point, there was a lot of musicianship just not solid song writing.
More chances needed to be taken.



🤣
Click to expand...

It’s the same result either way. They did not have access to hit making writers who generate “sure thing” hits. Outside production got EWF an extra five years of chart toppers after 1977.
 
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#9
Another problem with Pleasure was that all the musicians were jazz level cats. A lot of the songs were progressive and not simple dirty funk so the music went over a lot of folks heads. Didn't help having Nate Phillips playing some really difficult basslines! The Ohio Players were similar but they were able to chart a few tunes on R&B radio. And that their bassist wasn't nearly as good as Nate.
 
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