The Funk Masters pt 3

Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, PT 1

Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, PT 1, what a hit this song was for James Brown. Even with all the clout this song got, it wasn't always noticed as a hit,"'This is a hit!!' No it wasn't -at least not in the eyes of King Records' Syd Nathan."(Dr. Licks 26). Even James the creator of the song saw it as too slow for his taste and liking,"The original version should have been called 'Papa's Got A Brand New Drag'...The Track was deemed to slow for King's purpose and had to be sped up..."(Dr. Licks 26). But this song wasn't just a failure it was a comeback story of the century, made short and soon enough it took over."After two solid days of editing, re-EQing, and adding additional reverb and echo to the original master, Brown's indomitable vision was still wrong. It wasn't a hit. It was a monster hit."(Dr. Licks 26).

The Music

In the drum part of  Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, PT 1, which I play in the video above, Melvin Parker, the artist adapts to his same basic drum pattern as on "Out of Sight" while adding the hi-hat with more emphasis on the up beats,"This opens the door for one of Melvin's most important innovations."(Dr. Licks 18). From experience in playing his drum pattern from his song it added a new taste in style, which helped find a new way to add some sizzle to the sound as Melvin did,"The tension between Melvin's upbeat approach and everyone else's straight feel is what makes this groove sizzle."(Dr. Licks 28). 

And so on I want to leave you with a question, has there ever been a time where changing one little thing about yourself, or what you do, further your learning or style in anything?

Dr. Licks. The Great James Brown Rhythm Section. Manhattan Music.

The Funk Masters - In Drumming

The Evolution Of Funk

James, James Brown, one of the most iconic influencers of Hip Hop, R and B, and Funk. Though he's one of the most memorable singers around, even himself had to start some where. Fortunately I have been able to purchase a book on him and his burnout of a Rhythm Section, breaking down his history and style music. One of the first Bands James joined was the Gospel Star lighters ,"The first noteworthy band that James Brown was a part of was the Gospel Starlighters (AKA the Avons), a seven-piece rhythm and blues group led by his lifelong friend and musical partner, Bobby Byrd." (Dr. Licks 9). One of the first songs presented in this book is "Think". I will be playing the drum part Nat Kendrick created with somewhat of a swing yet straight feel."Eighth notes are usually either swung or they're played straight. In this song, Nat placed his eighth-note feel in that nether world where it's somewhere in between."(Dr. Lick 13).

With James Brown being on of the greats with his rhythm section I want to leave you with a question In Mind: Where have you have heard many of his famous drum licks and drum feels in Music today?

Dr. Licks. The Great James Brown Rhythm Section. Manhattan Music.