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Convince me: James Brown!

Kwesi

Kwesi

Sep 19, 2007
8,150
161
35
USA; Mitchellville, Maryland
#1
Is it cool to be a funk fan but not a fan of James Brown? I got nothing against the guy and he's, without a doubt, done loads for the genre but I just can't seem to like his stuff as much has say Tower of Power, Jamiroquai, George Duke, or The Brothers Johnson. Music, as I'm sure we all know, is a very personal thing. Different people will enjoy different forms but I feel like as a lover and player of funk I should love James Brown. I listen to loads of people who were and still are influenced by him but when I listen to his stuff I don't feel much of anything. Yeah, I may bob my head a little because it's good stuff, but it just doesn't hit me the way others' music has.

This is more of an experiment I guess. I'm tryign to get myself to really enjoy his music. Think you guys can handle the job?
 
#2
You can't sit on your backside and listen to JB. Have you tried standing and waiting to see how your legs start to move on their own?

I can't dance a step, but JB gets parts of my body at least trying to twitch.
 
#3
:cool:

They don't call James Brown the "Godfather" for nothing.
If it was not for J B, all the other groups you mentioned, would not be here.
His influence is HUGE !!!!!
He did for Funk & Soul, what the Beatles did for R & R.
 
#4
I can't remember who said it, but someone said that James Brown's big contribution was turning every instrument in his band into a drum. In other words, he made rhythm the most important (sometimes nearly the ONLY) ingredient. This has been so influential, it's almost hard to comprehend!
Perhaps what you're looking for is more melody and harmony...
 
#7
I can see why you might not be really big on James Brown. What he did was very particular and if aspects of his sound or approach aren't your thing, then they aren't your thing. Not all funk is the same. Just because you like one funk band/artist doesn't mean you'll like another. I was never as keen on Parliament as I was on James Brown. They're still funky, but they're a completely different flavour. Having said this, I would be suspicious of anyone who claims to love funk but isn't moved by the rhythmic aspect of James Brown's music. To me, it just doesn't get any funkier. Funk is, at it's core, about rhythm more than anything else, but some people want to hear more going on harmonically, melodically or lyrically. I don't know if this is the case for you, but judging from the other artists you've listed I'd imagine this is the case. As long as you recognise James Brown's historical relevance, you're free to like what you like. I'm curious though, how much James Brown have you listened to? When I first started checking out songs like "The Payback" I didn't get it. After doing some homework, however, I experienced a complete turnaround and that was that.
 
#8
Man... I a missed a question on a Music History exam.... it was multiple choice...
What type of music does James Brown play?

A) Funk
B)....
C)....
D) Soul


Of course I didn't read the whole question and answered A for Funk. Got it wrong. Such BS. What a stupid question for a test. I am sure he did it that way so he woudn't get in trouble for giving everyone a 100% on the final.
 
#9
listen to the live album "Sex Machine," and worship Bootsy, because he is at one with Clyde Stubblefield.

James forced his band to restrain themselves for the betterment of the groove because that's what he was all about. you cannot listen to james brown and expect to hear every instrument go off and in total self indulgence, as is so common in our modern versions of 'funk.' Every part has it's own role to play in an ever-looping groove created by the whole band. James essentially turned his whole band into a drumset, and was the greatest master of rhythm in his day.
 
#10
OMGZ!!!,... james brown with bootsy on bass is like stank on fire,... SUPER FUNKY!!! anyone not moved by the JB sound should immediately LEAVE THE PLANET!!!!

EDIT: it's the drums, bass, horns, keys, guitars, vocals, and sweat. everything just worked together so well.
 
#14
Corporate Boy said:
Man... I a missed a question on a Music History exam.... it was multiple choice...
What type of music does James Brown play?

A) Funk
B)....
C)....
D) Soul


Of course I didn't read the whole question and answered A for Funk. Got it wrong. Such BS. What a stupid question for a test. I am sure he did it that way so he woudn't get in trouble for giving everyone a 100% on the final.
Click to expand...

Good to know your teacher really knew his stuff. :rolleyes:
 
#15
Basshappi said:
Yes, you have permission to dig Funk but not James Brown.
Just so long as you "Remember the ONE and keep it Holy" you'll be a-okay.
Click to expand...

Basshappi got it right. Of course it's okay if you can't get into it. But you came at the topic with respect for JB, and know what he has contributed.

If it doesn't strike a chord with you now, give it another chance every once in awhile, you might find you dig it at a later date.
 
#16
I think one thing you need to remember is that when James Brown was making his music it was brand new - the godfather. There's plenty of similar stuff from around the same time period but there's an elevation in his music. Plus, the political statements he was making during the time. Amidst politically and racially turbulent times in our county he was putting out amazing, complex rhythmic creations that spoke to people, said something and had soul. "Say It Loud!"
 
#18
Kwesi, I think the way you feel is generational; you were born about twenty years after James Brown made is greatest recordings. James Brown evoked the most fundamental elements of Black Music. He was the most African of African American musicians. BTW, it was James Brown himself who said he heard every instrument as if it were a drum.

Without James Brown, no Black based popular music would sound like it does to day. Heck, Michael Jackson would have been Johnny Mathis with a few dance steps!:D

I am blessed to have been around when James Brown was at his peak. I saw him live. I even saw him at a gas station in Madison, Georgia back in 1973. I was too awestruck to speak, the only other times I ever felt that way was when I was in the presence of the Late Walter Sisulu (President Nelson Mandela's mentor and right hand man) and the late John Hope Franklin (the pioneer African American historian.)

You're a good brother, Kwesi. Just keep listening and learn your history. You will see where James Brown belongs, even if you feel that mighty groove.:)
 

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