True Funk?

I'm not familiar with all of the artists you mention, but I agree with your point. Funk has a lot to do with rhythm, feel, soul, and groove, and it does not much matter what technique one uses to achieve it. One of my favorite versatile bassists is Nathaniel Phillips of Pleasure. He can do it all. Let's not forget James Jamerson of Motown - never slapped at all (as far as I know) and was one of the funkiest bassists who ever lived.
- Mike

 

I don't remember hearing any slapped lines in James Brown's music. He's the funkiest dude in the multiverse.

 

I think you state the truth. The statement you make though, it true, Primus is not as funk band. Neither are the Chili peppers, or Korn. The BNH (Andrew Levy) are a funk band, as are Jamiroqui, Tower of Power, Prince, etc.

Funk is not about slapping, but you can slap in funk. Marcus is funky on ballads!

 

I'm with you all the way on this one. I would make a distinction that Mark King is certainly Euro-Funk, but not Funk.

I'm listening to the Headhunters right now, and Paul Jackson definitely falls under the category of Funky.

 

Don't forget people like Bootsy Collins and George Porter Jr. These guys were funky and didn't slap.

 

Oh geeeeesh Warwicknut look what you started now !!!!

 

Yeah Man...George Porter Jr. is Mr. Funk in my book.

 

Oh, yeah. A friend of mine just gave me a copy of a cd of the Meters playing a record release party for Wings on the Queen Mary. Amazing stuff. He is the man.

 

I think its important for the younger players to make the distinction between funk and slapping early on. I slap alot, but most of it is not funky, it is just another technique I use to play aggressive music.

 

I gotta disagree with you about Mark king. Level 42 is not a funk band, but that guy is funky as hell. Listen to a tune live "physical Presence" from World machine. There's a groove, and not a slap in sight.

Or "Good Man In a Storm" same album. Mark Has Funk like a Detroit Black man! (and i can say that cause i'm black)

 

Funking Ugly!!!

 

This is so true. Slapping can be VERY unfunky. I read somewhere that Korn were funk-metal!

 

Rocco! Dat's some o' dat way down between your toes, hadn't warshed yo feet in 3 months kinda funk!!!

 

That is sacreligious! Someone put the cretin who wrote that to death! Off wit' 'is 'ayd!

 

PREACH! Git down.

What about Nathan Watts man? He's been playing with Stevie Wonder for years and he's a funky-ass mofo.

 

Yeah, but it's gotta be intimidating to play bass with a keyboardist who created some of the funkiest basslines ever..............

 

Yeah, Stevie is one of the funkiest bassists ever too, and the funkiest that doesn't actually play bass.