Continuum – A Journey Through Jazz
Episode 73: Jazz Funk 1978, Part 11
I had so much fun last week in 1978 I decided to hang around a while and bring you another one of my “origin episodes” tracing the mythology of how an ordinary American nerd was transformed into the Jazz Evangelist. Pretty riveting stuff.
However, this episode is rather light on the “jazz” aspect of the continuum – and very heavy on the funk. Those that believe all dance music from 1978 was just “disco” may be surprised to find how funky and complex a lot of it was . . . and that the best of it was still very much connected to it’s jazz foundations.
I must warn you however that I did encounter a vortex in the time/space continuum whilst producing this show, and was thus confronted by my former self. Therefore, much of this episode was highjacked by my original DJ persona who went by the name of “Johnny Kool”. Yeah . . . it was a dark & pathetic period. However, he reminded me of quite a few great tracks that I hadn’t thought about in 30 years or more – songs that he/we used to play nightly.
So join me in the funky vortex for the cool, soulful, jazzy funk of groups such as Heatwave
Earth, Wind & Fire, Roy Ayers, The Jacksons, Lenny White (feat. Chaka Khan), Ashford & Simpson, Stanley Clarke, L.T.D., Rick James, Bootsy Collins, Bell & James, Idris Muhammad, Gene Chandler, Raydio, The Pockets, Pleasure, Donald Byrd, Aquarian Dream, Isley Brothers, Tower Of Power, Average White Band, Bar-Kays & Mother’s Finest.
In the immortal words of Don Cornelius, hop aboard for the hippest trip in America . . . and you can bet your last money, it’s gonna be a stone gas, honey. This one is dedicated to you Don. Thanks for being the first to point me down the right musical track.
If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or just want to have a random discussion about hedgehogs – please write to Scott@SoulandJazz.com. I would also love to connect with you via Facebook & Twitter . . . just look for the Jazz Evangelist.
Agape ya’ll,
J. Scott Fugate, ‘The Jazz Evangelist’
Continuum – A Journey Through Jazz
Episode 73: Jazz Funk 1978, Part 11
Artist – Track – Album – Year
Heatwave The Groove Line Central Heating 1978
Earth, Wind & Fire September The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 1978
Roy Ayers Sweet Tears Let’s Do It 1978
The Jacksons Things I Do For You Destiny 1978
Lenny White (feat. Chaka Khan) Lady Madonna Steamline 1978
Ashford & Simpson Get Up And Do Something Is It Still Good To Ya 1978
Stanley Clarke More Hot Fun Modern Man 1978
L.T.D. Holding On (When Love Is Gone) Togetherness 1978
Rick James You And I Come Get It! 1978
Bootsy Collins Roto-Rooter Bootsy? Player Of The Year 1978
Bell & James Livin’ It Up (Friday Night) Bell & James 1978
Idris Muhammad See Saw You Ain’t No Friend Of Mine! 1978
Gene Chandler Get Down Get Down 1978
Raydio Get Down Raydio 1978
The Pockets Funk It Over Take It On Up 1978
Pleasure Thanks For Everything Get To The Feeling 1978
Donald Byrd Thank You For Funking Up My Life Thank You . . . For F.U.M.L. 1978
Aquarian Dream Play It For Me Fantasy 1978
Isley Brothers Take Me To The Next Phase Showdown 1978
Tower Of Power Yin-Yang Thang We Came To Play! 1978
Average White Band Your Love Is A Miracle Warmer Communications 1978
Bar-Kays Holy Ghost Money Talks 1978
Mother’s Finest Baby Love Another Mother Further 1978
Background Music
Earth, Wind & Fire Runnin’ (Original Hollywood Mix) All ‘n All 1977
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