Funk University Disappointment

[JAUQO III-X]

The above quote, in my opinion, is an oversimplification of things and doesn't provide much of a concrete answer. To make such a claim one would first have to define funk. Otherwise what you're saying is just a platitude. Why did funk start in Africa? Because of the drum? Because of the cross rhythms? Because of syncopation? Because of the call and response aspect? Because of the hocket aspect? What?

Like I said I will not be giving you all the keys.

Again research the history on your own from here.

Especially since you think I just threw out some random place as the origin of funk.


In your profile you list your Favorite Genres as,
Groove"-based music. Funk, reggae, soul, hip-hop, go-go, all kinds of sounds from Africa, Brazil, the West Indies.


If this is so you should already know the origins of funk.

 

[bass12]

Like I said I will not be giving you all the keys.

Again research the history on your own from here.

I'm not asking for all the keys. I've done a considerable amount of research on the subject of funk (including having written my Masters thesis on go-go). I'm just trying to spur some discussion on the subject and hear things from another person's perspective.

Especially since you think I just threw out some random place as the origin of funk.

I was pretty sure you weren't naming Africa randomly!

In your profile you list your Favorite Genres as,
Groove"-based music. Funk, reggae, soul, hip-hop, go-go, all kinds of sounds from Africa, Brazil, the West Indies.

If this is so you should already know the origins of funk.

I wouldn't suggest that funk has only one place of origin. As I see it, funk wouldn't be what it is without the influences of Africa, Europe and the United States.

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

We're debating or caring about WHERE funk came from? Because that is important how? Sorry, I didn't read every response on the whole thread to figure out how we got to this point in what appears to be a heated argument.

I mention this as a rhetorical question...

 

[JAUQO III-X]

We're debating or caring about WHERE funk came from? Because that is important how?

The origin of anything is important and should be researched and explored.


There are many lies and misinformation about the origin of things. Like people still want to believe that Leo Fender invented the electric bass.

Sorry, I didn't read every response on the whole thread to figure out how we got to this point in what appears to be a heated argument.

I mention this as a rhetorical question...

Its not a heated argument at all.

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

The origin of anything is important and should be researched and explored. There are many lies and misinformation about the origin of things. Its not a heated argument at all.

I don't know the origins of the common household electric alarm clock. I can see no real relevance in my life to know. Sure, such a story might be interesting, and I appreciate technology and the spirit of invention and all, but I prefer to spend my time in other more productive ways. Like listening to, and playing funk music. Instead of having an argument about where it came from. And who is "right" about it. Or fighting/correcting conspiracy theories.

But that's ok. You can do that. Enjoy the thread.

 

[Jamie_Funk]

I'd suggest this as required reading for anyone attending Funk University (or anyone really who wants to know about the evolution and CULTURAL aspects and impact of Funk):

http://www.amazon.ca/Funk-Music-People-Rhythm-One/dp/0312134991

J

 

[JAUQO III-X]

I don't know the origins of the common household electric alarm clock. I can see no real relevance in my life to know. Sure, such a story might be interesting, and I appreciate technology and the spirit of invention and all, but I prefer to spend my time in other more productive ways. Like listening to, and playing funk music. Instead of having an argument about where it came from. And who is "right" about it. Or fighting/correcting conspiracy theories.

But that's ok. You can do that. Enjoy the thread.

Obviously you didn't get my point.


You not caring about the origin of some things is cool. But that is why the state of what is factual is what it is today and what it has become.


People create their own truths simply because they just don't know or care to know.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

I'd suggest this as required reading for anyone attending Funk University (or anyone really who wants to know about the evolution and CULTURAL aspects and impact of Funk):

http://www.amazon.ca/Funk-Music-People-Rhythm-One/dp/0312134991

J

One of the best books ever written on the genre of funk.


I have that book listed on my web site.

 

[wade_b]

I wouldn't suggest that funk has only one place of origin. As I see it, funk wouldn't be what it is without the influences of Africa, Europe and the United States.

Europe?

Funk?

Tell me more, please.

And play that funky music, White Boy.

 

[NickyBass]

Europe?

Funk?

Tell me more, please.

And play that funky music, White Boy.

Classical music was an influence on a lot of different genres. I don't know the history of funk well enough to determine the extent, but, it had a huge impact on, for example, jazz.

 

[NickyBass]

The origin of anything is important and should be researched and explored.

I agree that if one wants to fully understand a certain genre, then they should really look into it's evolution/fusion/history. I think it is also benificial to look into the enviroment in which it was created---whether that be political turmoil or a flourishing rennaissance.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

I agree that if one wants to fully understand a certain genre, then they should really look into it's evolution/fusion/history. I think it is also benificial to look into the enviroment in which it was created---whether that be political turmoil or a flourishing rennaissance.

Exactly.

 

[Deluge Of Sound]

Jaquo's in the right here...

And he's already given everyone a bunch of context and evidence. Do some googling.

 

[Brad Johnson]

I'm not asking for all the keys. I've done a considerable amount of research on the subject of funk (including having written my Masters thesis on go-go). I'm just trying to spur some discussion on the subject and hear things from another person's perspective.



I was pretty sure you weren't naming Africa randomly!



I wouldn't suggest that funk has only one place of origin. As I see it, funk wouldn't be what it is without the influences of Africa, Europe and the United States.

I remember our go-go discussion all to well. At the risk of repeating that type of conversation, European influence on the type of old school funk Bootsy espouses? Expand on that.

Other than French Creole, I'm drawing a blank.

 

[NickyBass]

At the risk of repeating that type of conversation, European influence on the type of old school funk Bootsy espouses? Expand on that.

I guess it depends on how far you want to go back. Leonin, a French composer, was widely credited as being the first to write polyphonic organums.

 

[bass12]

I remember our go-go discussion all to well. At the risk of repeating that type of conversation, European influence on the type of old school funk Bootsy espouses? Expand on that.

Other than French Creole, I'm drawing a blank.

You're mentioning our discussion on go-go as if it was a negative thing, which is unfortunate. A lot of music historians will point to New Orleans marching bands as an early influence on funk. European drum rudiments were an essential aspect of these marching bands and that influence extended to drummers such as Zig Modeliste and James Black.

 

[bass12]

Europe?

Funk?

Tell me more, please.

And play that funky music, White Boy.

Any of the music developed in North America (outside of any aboriginal musics) was influenced by European music.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

Any of the music developed in North America (outside of any aboriginal musics) was influenced by European music.

Who told you that lie?

 

[bass12]

We're debating or caring about WHERE funk came from? Because that is important how? Sorry, I didn't read every response on the whole thread to figure out how we got to this point in what appears to be a heated argument.

I mention this as a rhetorical question...

That attitude confounds me. Enough said. As far as any "heated argument" is concerned, Jauqo and I are having a discussion, not an argument. I respect his point of view, but that doesn't mean I have to agree with everything he might say (or that I can't play devil's advocate on some points).

 

[bass12]

Who told you that lie?

What makes you think it's a lie?