Deco were comprised of two talented individuals based in Los Angeles, California. Their names are Attala Zane Giles and Philip Ingram. Philip would later join another groundbreaking R&B group, Switch. Attala went on to become a high in demand musician/producer. He and Jeffrey Osborne's brother, Billy Osborne, formed a production partnership that oversaw the productions of many great R&B artists throughout the '80's and '90's. Some of those acts include the late great Otis Reddings' son's, The Reddings, ConFunkShun, The Emotions, The Temptations, and countless others. Phillip sung lead vocal on a track taken from Jeff Lorber's 1984 Arista Records release, "In The Heat Of The Night" titled, "Don't Say Yes". Speaking of brothers, it's worth noting that Phillip Ingram is the brother of singer James Ingram.
In 1983, this talanted duo release an excellent album of Funk and R&B on Quincy Jones' Warner Bros. Records distributed imprint, Qwest Records titled "Fresh Idea". Produced by venerable, and more than capable songwriter/percussionist, Ollie E. Brown. Ollie's production and guest musician accomplishments include the recordings of LaToya Jackson's debut, Gloria Gaynor, Ray Parker, Jr., Syretta Wright and coutlesss others. It's also worth noting that Ollie was one half of the funky, yet underrated, duo of "Ollie & Jerry", the "Jerry" is the late, great, and former Raydio member, Mr. Jerry Knight. {R.I.P. Sir}. They're best known for their 1984 hit "Ain't No Stoppin' Us" taken from the hit break dancing themed movie, "Breakin'".
Let's give this rare recording the RIGHT treatment it so deserves, and spotlight it's shining moments, and trust me, there are plenty.
According to information I read online, { .... and I'm not even sure how accurate it is. I would either have to ask the band members themselves, Ollie E. Brown, or Quincy Jones, to get the real skinny} just before it's original release date, it was pulled back for whatever reason. A few copies managed to go into circulation and made it into some record stores. {In other words, a Prince "Black Album" release scenario happened here} I myself remember seeing this album on vinyl in a long since closed record store, King Karol's to be exact, located on West 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue, here in New York City during this time period ....... but like I said, don't hold me this ..... in other words, DON'T SUE ME IF I'M WRONG ! :-)
**** Unfortunately, I do not have the complete musician credit listings to give them their just due honorable nod, so please bear with me, thank you. ****
Opening track of this "Funk Masterpiece in the same spirit of Pink Floyd's opus 'Dark Side Of The Moon' ", is the 'head bopping til your neck snap' groover, the album's title track, "Fresh Idea". MINI-MOOG BASS SYNTH'S GONE WILD ! is featured on this 'way too funky' song ! It's performance, keyboard runs, and melody more than carried this tune into 'Boogie Wonderland' ! .... But wait ! There's more ! The harmonized background vocal parts, the rhythm guitar 'funky good time' scratching, the REAL, not programmed, percussion soundscapes, the 'in the pocket' live drum performance courtesy of Ollie, and Phillip's super tight lead vocal prowess and execution, as he's heard throughout the entire album, had massive airplay, club play, and single sales written all over it ! It's just a 'fresh start' to a 'fresh album' !! ..... For those reading this that are 20 years old or younger, 'fresh' was a commonly used phrase during the 'B-Boy' era back in the early '80's. You just had to have lived through that time period to fully understand. Just go to NetFlix and order the aforementioned movie, "Breakin' " to see what I mean, it'll make more sense to you then. ..... Ahhhh !!! You guys missed a great time period during the early Hip Hop and Break Dance era !! :-) ..... and yes, I'm rubbing it in your faces ! :-)
Wait a minute ! Hold on now ! The 'Funk' doesn't stop at the 'Fresh Idea' track !! .... Oh ! That was a just warm up !!!! :-) .... The 'Funk' just keeps giving, and giving, and giving, on "I'll Be There" ! This monster groove, like it's predecessor, comes fully equipped with Mini-Moog Bass Synth steady ivory keys offerings, a heavy footed kick drum, 'Tsst! Tsst! Tsst's!' of Ollie's Hi-Hat in the left channel, coupled with his Tom Tom rolls. You'll also hear the left panned rhythm guitar chings playing tag with the right panned rhythm guitar changs, along with Phillip's dynamo and gut wrenching lead vocal. The background vocals are in full effect, as they are, once again, sung harmoniously and on key. What had me 'giving up the funk' was the Oberheim and/or Prophet 5 synthesizer reverbed expanded chord progressions performed in the choruses, ...... ahhhh !!! AIR KEYBOARD PARADISE !!! :-) ..... Well, for me at least :-(
On "I'm So Glad I Met You", the pace is slowed down a tad, not a lot, just enough to keep the toes tappin'. One thing you'll notice right away are the elements of the The Gap Band's 1982 hit, "Outstanding" used as the basis of the melody, but it actually works here. This mellow and even paced tune features a funk slapped electric bass guitar, rock guitar phrasings, and a bongo rhythm pattern that's VERY reminiscent of "Outstanding". True to form, Phillip's lead vocal is performed with yearning passion and true grit. The live drums keeps the tempo locked in the pocket, and fancy free. In the background, you hear subtle synthesizer performed minor chords, that gives the track it's melodic balance. A very good song to say the least.
Okaaaayyyyy !!!! Here we gooooooo !!! Back to the 'Funk' !!!! .... Look, you can't run from it, OK ! So just embrace it, and take it like a true Funkateer should ! :-) On "Let's This Be The Night", Deco is clearly paying homage to their Funk heros, Cameo and Parliament/Funkadelic ! So now we know where they "GOT THEIR FUNK FROM" !! The rhythm guitar pays homage to Cameo's "I Just Want To Be" in it's opening notes, and adds it's own funky bounce as the song progresses. The Mini-Moog Bass Synth stabs are more out front and "in your face", as it should be ! The background vocal fills are sung ala Larry Blackmon's trademarked baritone low registred vocals in "I Just Want To Be". The occasional acoustic piano chords adds that zest to keep the energy in full supply. The sixteenth note rhythm pattern of the, once again, Hi-Hat in the left channel lends it's 'funksmanship' to this groove ladened funk-a-long ! .... and as for Phillip's lead vocal and accompanying harmonic background vocals ?!?! ....... SUPERB !!! ..... as usual.
"Live My Fantasy" .... This track is mid tempo funk/dance ditty, features the tried and true Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus or the Roland SVC-350 11 Band Analog Vocoder {I'm not sure, I'd need to ask Attala or Ollie}, and speaking of Ollie, he throws down on his tried and true Simmons Electronic Drum Pads for his trademarked Tom Tom rolls. The rhythm guitar holds it down on the chicken scratch throwdown, funk bass slaps and overall performance on the electric bass guitar never fails, and the vocals are down and dirty, and sho nuff funky ! Excellent track !!
All you funksters and funkettes out there reading this "Funkumentary", this MASTERPIECE is long out of print and is a highly sort after item. If you should see it, GRAB IT QUICKLY !!! No matter the price, and from what I understand, it'll cost you. This is where I call on ANY CD reissue company out there to step up to the plate and license this album from Warner Music .... and I encourage you to do so quickly before that company implodes, particularly they way it's been run for the last 10 years !! TRUST ME !! YOU WILL SELL UNITS, GUARANTEED !!! YOU'LL MORE THAN BREAK EVEN !!!
This is a HOT record ! Has been for the last 28 years now ! ..... Yes, that's how good this record is !! .... You need proof ?! ..... Check out the album title song YouTube video below and get a "Taste Of The Bass" for yourselves and you decide !! .... and if you're smart, you'll know what's right for the Funkheads out there, and "Hit 'Em Over The Head With The Bop Gun" !! ..... It's your call people !! You bitch and moan about lack of sales THIS !!, and nobody's no longer buying CD's THAT !! .... Well, here's an idea !! How about giving the people what they want !? .... and they want this Deco album reissued !!! C'mon now !!! (((((FED UP LOOK ON MY FACE )))))
FUNKFULLY Yours,
Ran Man
**** Unfortunately, I do not have the complete musician credit listings to give them their just due honorable nod, so please bear with me, thank you. ****
Opening track of this "Funk Masterpiece in the same spirit of Pink Floyd's opus 'Dark Side Of The Moon' ", is the 'head bopping til your neck snap' groover, the album's title track, "Fresh Idea". MINI-MOOG BASS SYNTH'S GONE WILD ! is featured on this 'way too funky' song ! It's performance, keyboard runs, and melody more than carried this tune into 'Boogie Wonderland' ! .... But wait ! There's more ! The harmonized background vocal parts, the rhythm guitar 'funky good time' scratching, the REAL, not programmed, percussion soundscapes, the 'in the pocket' live drum performance courtesy of Ollie, and Phillip's super tight lead vocal prowess and execution, as he's heard throughout the entire album, had massive airplay, club play, and single sales written all over it ! It's just a 'fresh start' to a 'fresh album' !! ..... For those reading this that are 20 years old or younger, 'fresh' was a commonly used phrase during the 'B-Boy' era back in the early '80's. You just had to have lived through that time period to fully understand. Just go to NetFlix and order the aforementioned movie, "Breakin' " to see what I mean, it'll make more sense to you then. ..... Ahhhh !!! You guys missed a great time period during the early Hip Hop and Break Dance era !! :-) ..... and yes, I'm rubbing it in your faces ! :-)
Wait a minute ! Hold on now ! The 'Funk' doesn't stop at the 'Fresh Idea' track !! .... Oh ! That was a just warm up !!!! :-) .... The 'Funk' just keeps giving, and giving, and giving, on "I'll Be There" ! This monster groove, like it's predecessor, comes fully equipped with Mini-Moog Bass Synth steady ivory keys offerings, a heavy footed kick drum, 'Tsst! Tsst! Tsst's!' of Ollie's Hi-Hat in the left channel, coupled with his Tom Tom rolls. You'll also hear the left panned rhythm guitar chings playing tag with the right panned rhythm guitar changs, along with Phillip's dynamo and gut wrenching lead vocal. The background vocals are in full effect, as they are, once again, sung harmoniously and on key. What had me 'giving up the funk' was the Oberheim and/or Prophet 5 synthesizer reverbed expanded chord progressions performed in the choruses, ...... ahhhh !!! AIR KEYBOARD PARADISE !!! :-) ..... Well, for me at least :-(
On "I'm So Glad I Met You", the pace is slowed down a tad, not a lot, just enough to keep the toes tappin'. One thing you'll notice right away are the elements of the The Gap Band's 1982 hit, "Outstanding" used as the basis of the melody, but it actually works here. This mellow and even paced tune features a funk slapped electric bass guitar, rock guitar phrasings, and a bongo rhythm pattern that's VERY reminiscent of "Outstanding". True to form, Phillip's lead vocal is performed with yearning passion and true grit. The live drums keeps the tempo locked in the pocket, and fancy free. In the background, you hear subtle synthesizer performed minor chords, that gives the track it's melodic balance. A very good song to say the least.
Okaaaayyyyy !!!! Here we gooooooo !!! Back to the 'Funk' !!!! .... Look, you can't run from it, OK ! So just embrace it, and take it like a true Funkateer should ! :-) On "Let's This Be The Night", Deco is clearly paying homage to their Funk heros, Cameo and Parliament/Funkadelic ! So now we know where they "GOT THEIR FUNK FROM" !! The rhythm guitar pays homage to Cameo's "I Just Want To Be" in it's opening notes, and adds it's own funky bounce as the song progresses. The Mini-Moog Bass Synth stabs are more out front and "in your face", as it should be ! The background vocal fills are sung ala Larry Blackmon's trademarked baritone low registred vocals in "I Just Want To Be". The occasional acoustic piano chords adds that zest to keep the energy in full supply. The sixteenth note rhythm pattern of the, once again, Hi-Hat in the left channel lends it's 'funksmanship' to this groove ladened funk-a-long ! .... and as for Phillip's lead vocal and accompanying harmonic background vocals ?!?! ....... SUPERB !!! ..... as usual.
"Live My Fantasy" .... This track is mid tempo funk/dance ditty, features the tried and true Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus or the Roland SVC-350 11 Band Analog Vocoder {I'm not sure, I'd need to ask Attala or Ollie}, and speaking of Ollie, he throws down on his tried and true Simmons Electronic Drum Pads for his trademarked Tom Tom rolls. The rhythm guitar holds it down on the chicken scratch throwdown, funk bass slaps and overall performance on the electric bass guitar never fails, and the vocals are down and dirty, and sho nuff funky ! Excellent track !!
All you funksters and funkettes out there reading this "Funkumentary", this MASTERPIECE is long out of print and is a highly sort after item. If you should see it, GRAB IT QUICKLY !!! No matter the price, and from what I understand, it'll cost you. This is where I call on ANY CD reissue company out there to step up to the plate and license this album from Warner Music .... and I encourage you to do so quickly before that company implodes, particularly they way it's been run for the last 10 years !! TRUST ME !! YOU WILL SELL UNITS, GUARANTEED !!! YOU'LL MORE THAN BREAK EVEN !!!
This is a HOT record ! Has been for the last 28 years now ! ..... Yes, that's how good this record is !! .... You need proof ?! ..... Check out the album title song YouTube video below and get a "Taste Of The Bass" for yourselves and you decide !! .... and if you're smart, you'll know what's right for the Funkheads out there, and "Hit 'Em Over The Head With The Bop Gun" !! ..... It's your call people !! You bitch and moan about lack of sales THIS !!, and nobody's no longer buying CD's THAT !! .... Well, here's an idea !! How about giving the people what they want !? .... and they want this Deco album reissued !!! C'mon now !!! (((((FED UP LOOK ON MY FACE )))))
FUNKFULLY Yours,
Ran Man
No comments:
Post a Comment