So a lot of people around me as I grew up would always tell me I was being funky just because my slapping technique was strong. It's hard not to believe something when everyone is repeating it but about 10 years ago I truly became a guru and realized that most of the stuff I was listening to and playing was funkier than ever and slap free! That's right, a lot of the masters slap very sparingly. I'll tell you what, if you want to refine your funk technique without slap? Listen to Grover Washington Jr with the bass off if possible and make your own baselines and create a neat pocket for the drums to allow the horn to just flow. Specifically the album Winelight. Do this and when you've done it right it will be very satisfying.
