The legendary guitarist, Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner, first joined The Ohio Players in 1964 replacing original guitarist Robert Ward who left the group. After several lineup changes thereafter, the band hit their stride in the spring of 1973 with their first million selling single, the R.I.A.A. {Recording Industry Association of America}, Gold certified, "Funky Worm". The song reached #1 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, and reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart.
In the years following, between 1974 and 1976 most notably, a string of hits dominated the R&B and Pop charts, and dance floors around the world. Those hits songs are now considered to be "Funk Standards" in music's enFUNKlopedia. Songs like "Jive Turkey", "Skin Tight", "Fire", "I Want To Be Free", "Sweet Sticky Thing", and THE FUNK MONOLITH, "Love Rollercoster", etc.
In 1985, he hooked up with fellow Hamilton, Ohio natives , the Troutman family, and crafted a brilliant piece of work that incorporated elements of his Ohio Players work, and injected some the new music gadgetry of the day, gadgets such as the Oberheim drum machine and the new digital synthesizers. Roger Troutman handled all production duties, while assembling his loyal and faithful band of brothers and close associates.
Contributing musicians are as follows : On bass guitar you have whom is considered a longtime member of the current Ohio Players, Darwin Dortch, as well as Roger and Terry "ZAPP" Troutman. On drums you have the Ohio Players' 3rd drummer, and the most notable, Jimmy "Diamond" Williams. Sharing the drum kit there's Roger's brother and longtime Zapp timekeeper, Lester Troutman. On lead and rhythm guitars, who else but Roger Troutman, longtime Ohio Players co-guitarist, Clarence "Chet" Willis, Aaron Blackmon, and none other than, Sugarfoot himself.
The keyboards and synthesizers were in the ever capable hands and fingers of, yet another Ohio Players alum, and by this time, a close and trusted ZAPP associate, Billy Beck. In addition, the keys were handled by Roger, along with his son, Roger, Jr., and two ZAPP members, Dale DeGroat, and Gregory Jackson. Percussion and Congas are performed by brothers Larry and Lester Troutman, along with yet, once again, another Ohio Players associate, their longtime percussionist, Robert "Rumba" Jones.
Background vocals are heavenly sung by : Billy Beck, Chet Willis, Dale DeGroat, Gregory Jackson, Ivette Corbett, Diamond Williams, Jannette Boyce, Larry Hatcher, Linda McDougal, Ray "Stingray" Davis, Roger Troutman, Shelly Smith, and last, but certainly not least, Mrs. Shirley Murdock-DeGroat.
Let's check some the key moments of an exceptional album from a MORE than expectional artist, one the world over simply know as, "Sugarfoot".
"Kiss" - {Written by Sugarfoot and Roger Troutman} - {{{{ TO HEAR THIS SONG, SEE ACCOMPANYING YOU TUBE AUDIO CLIP BELOW AT THE END OF THIS REVIEW}}}}
Though very danceable, "Kiss" has a very haunting feel by the way the synthesizers are performed, particularly the droned sustained chords. The percussions, particularly the shakers, congas, triangles, and the Simmons Electric Drum Pads, are used extensively in this slight samba shuffle driven track. You can definitely hear Roger throwing down on his trademarked rhythm guitar licks. Sugar not only sounds great on his lead vocal, but he rips into a blazing fuzzed guitar solo as only Sugar could pull off. His trademarked jazzy guitar/scats accompaniments are undoubtedly second to none. The background vocal performances are solid, as you can definitely hear Billy Beck clearly shining through as he did on those '70's classic Ohio Players recordings. Fantastic opener to an a very strong album !
"I'm Your Sugar" - {Written by Roger and Larry Troutman}
This mid tempo'd love song is certainly in the vein of The Ohio Players' "Heaven Must Be Like This" in terms of Sugar's lead vocal delivery and it's timbre. Standouts instruments heard here is a mellow and easy bass synth, a quarter note patterned Simmons Electric Drum Pad performance, electric bass plucks, and rhythm guitar pickings. If you listen real carefully, you'll hear skeletons of a future Shirley Murdock-DeGroat's hit song, "As We Lay", in dribs and drabs. But what REALLY stood out for me here .... and I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing, considering the originality of it's songwriters ..... is the melody of Mtume's 1984 urban hit, "You Me & He" heard throughout, as you can certainly hear those elements in this song. {{{{ BUT JUST TO BE SURE, SEE ACCOMPANYING YOU TUBE AUDIO CLIPS BELOW OF THIS SONG & MTUME'S "YOU, ME & HE", AND DO AN "A/B" COMPARISON FOR YOURSELVES ..... AND TO MAKE SURE I'M NOT CONJURING THIS UP IN MY MIND, ... YOU TELL ME :-( ..... }}}}
"Call Me" {Not to be confused with R&B/Funk band SKYY's 1981 urban hit of the same name} - {Written by Roger and Larry Troutman}
Once again ladies and gentleman :-/ ..... and maybe it's me hallucinating again, but I hear elements of YES, the groundbreaking Progressive British Rock band, and their 1983 hit, "Owner Of A Lonely Heart", throughout this song. This tune borders on the sounds of English New Wave, and the pioneering sounds of the German Dance/Techno ensemble, Kraftwerk. They certainly kept those new waveish synthesizer musings going on, by way of another English new wave band, A Flock Of Seagulls. This is one of those rare times you'll hear a drum machine used, mainly for the handclaps, which certainly surprised me, particularly coming from Roger T., but it worked.... {{{{ YET ONCE AGAIN !! ..... AND TO BE SURE, ..... SEE ACCOMPANYING YOU TUBE AUDIO CLIPS BELOW OF THIS SONG & YES' "OWNER OF A LONELY HEART", AND DO AN "A/B" COMPARISON FOR YOURSELVES ..... AND TO MAKE SURE I'M NOT, ..... ONCE AGAIN, ...... HEARING THINGS THAT ARE NOT THERE :-( .... YOU TELL ME :-( ..... }}}}
"Fire '85" - {Written by W. Beck, C. Satchell, J. Williams, L. Bonner, M. Jones, M. Pierce, R. Middlebrooks a.k.a. "The OHIO PLAYERS DURING THEIR COMMERCIAL PEAK" ...... R.I.P. to band founding members Mr. Clarence "Satch" Satchell 1940-1995 {Saxophones} and to Mr. Ralph "Pee Wee" Middlebrooks 1939-1997 {Trumpets, Flugelhorn} ..... } ~~~~~ {{{{ SEE ACCOMPANYING YOU TUBE AUDIO CLIPS BELOW TO HEAR THE ORIGINAL OHIO PLAYERS 1975 VERSION , ZAPP'S 1989 VERSION, AND SUGARFOOT'S 1985 VERSION }}}}
Sugar's version of his own song is played in the key of ZAPP .... and it kicks ! The funkalicous synthesizers dominate this percolating version of The Ohio Players classic ! The "Haley's Comet's Blazing Through The Midnight Sky" synthesizer effects are heard sporadically to give this track it's Cosmic space funk effect. (You'll know it when you hear it) ...... The live drums, particularly the live drums, is what give this song it's "UMPH", that "Kick You In The Chest" effect, if you will. The various live percussions adds that "party up" element it needs to keep your body moving. Of course, this song would NOT be complete with Sugar's distinctive "Well's !", "Owwws!", "Say What ?!?", and his trademarked, "Woo Woo Woo Woo's !!! .... and of course Sugar kills it on same the guitar solo he made famous 10 years prior to this recording. Rather than me talk about it, just refer to the You Tube Audio Clips below and ... ahem ... SET YOUR OWN ASSES ON "FIRE" ! ;-)
"Girl, I Need You" - {Written by Clarence "Chet" Willis, James "Diamond" Williams, Roger Troutman}
Good song, no doubt in my mind about that ! It'll have you dancing for sure ! But what made me raise my eyebrows, given the track record of the songs co-composers, and how they could've easily come up with their own melodies, is how they incorporated the main melody of a Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced jam for Thelma Houston. I'm referring to her 1984 MCA Records hit, "You Used To Hold Me So Tight". As I mentioned previously, the song is not bad, actually is the perfect closer to a great album. Though it's mainly drum programmed, bass synth riddled, synthesizer sustained chord progressioned, it blends well with Sugar's slightly echoed delayed manipulated lead vocal. The turntable scratching in the bridge gives this track it's Hip Hop edge which was developing during that "Krush Groove Movie" time period. Sugar, once again, delivers a rock 'n roll influenced guitar solo, though short. But yeah, you'll take whatever we're given from Sugar, even if it were a 2 bar solo, just to hear Sugar play is magical !.... {{{{ YET AGAIN, SEE ACCOMPANYING YOU TUBE AUDIO CLIPS BELOW TO HEAR THIS SONG, AND THE THELMA HOUSTON'S TRACK, "YOU USE TO HOLD ME SO TIGHT ..... AND YOU DO A "PEPSI CHALLENGE" BETWEEN THE TWO }}}}
To purchase this CD, please visit Wounded Bird Records Official website at : www.woundedbird.com/
Musically Yours,
Ran Man
In the years following, between 1974 and 1976 most notably, a string of hits dominated the R&B and Pop charts, and dance floors around the world. Those hits songs are now considered to be "Funk Standards" in music's enFUNKlopedia. Songs like "Jive Turkey", "Skin Tight", "Fire", "I Want To Be Free", "Sweet Sticky Thing", and THE FUNK MONOLITH, "Love Rollercoster", etc.
In 1985, he hooked up with fellow Hamilton, Ohio natives , the Troutman family, and crafted a brilliant piece of work that incorporated elements of his Ohio Players work, and injected some the new music gadgetry of the day, gadgets such as the Oberheim drum machine and the new digital synthesizers. Roger Troutman handled all production duties, while assembling his loyal and faithful band of brothers and close associates.
Contributing musicians are as follows : On bass guitar you have whom is considered a longtime member of the current Ohio Players, Darwin Dortch, as well as Roger and Terry "ZAPP" Troutman. On drums you have the Ohio Players' 3rd drummer, and the most notable, Jimmy "Diamond" Williams. Sharing the drum kit there's Roger's brother and longtime Zapp timekeeper, Lester Troutman. On lead and rhythm guitars, who else but Roger Troutman, longtime Ohio Players co-guitarist, Clarence "Chet" Willis, Aaron Blackmon, and none other than, Sugarfoot himself.
The keyboards and synthesizers were in the ever capable hands and fingers of, yet another Ohio Players alum, and by this time, a close and trusted ZAPP associate, Billy Beck. In addition, the keys were handled by Roger, along with his son, Roger, Jr., and two ZAPP members, Dale DeGroat, and Gregory Jackson. Percussion and Congas are performed by brothers Larry and Lester Troutman, along with yet, once again, another Ohio Players associate, their longtime percussionist, Robert "Rumba" Jones.
Background vocals are heavenly sung by : Billy Beck, Chet Willis, Dale DeGroat, Gregory Jackson, Ivette Corbett, Diamond Williams, Jannette Boyce, Larry Hatcher, Linda McDougal, Ray "Stingray" Davis, Roger Troutman, Shelly Smith, and last, but certainly not least, Mrs. Shirley Murdock-DeGroat.
Let's check some the key moments of an exceptional album from a MORE than expectional artist, one the world over simply know as, "Sugarfoot".
"Kiss" - {Written by Sugarfoot and Roger Troutman} - {{{{ TO HEAR THIS SONG, SEE ACCOMPANYING YOU TUBE AUDIO CLIP BELOW AT THE END OF THIS REVIEW}}}}
Though very danceable, "Kiss" has a very haunting feel by the way the synthesizers are performed, particularly the droned sustained chords. The percussions, particularly the shakers, congas, triangles, and the Simmons Electric Drum Pads, are used extensively in this slight samba shuffle driven track. You can definitely hear Roger throwing down on his trademarked rhythm guitar licks. Sugar not only sounds great on his lead vocal, but he rips into a blazing fuzzed guitar solo as only Sugar could pull off. His trademarked jazzy guitar/scats accompaniments are undoubtedly second to none. The background vocal performances are solid, as you can definitely hear Billy Beck clearly shining through as he did on those '70's classic Ohio Players recordings. Fantastic opener to an a very strong album !
"I'm Your Sugar" - {Written by Roger and Larry Troutman}
This mid tempo'd love song is certainly in the vein of The Ohio Players' "Heaven Must Be Like This" in terms of Sugar's lead vocal delivery and it's timbre. Standouts instruments heard here is a mellow and easy bass synth, a quarter note patterned Simmons Electric Drum Pad performance, electric bass plucks, and rhythm guitar pickings. If you listen real carefully, you'll hear skeletons of a future Shirley Murdock-DeGroat's hit song, "As We Lay", in dribs and drabs. But what REALLY stood out for me here .... and I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing, considering the originality of it's songwriters ..... is the melody of Mtume's 1984 urban hit, "You Me & He" heard throughout, as you can certainly hear those elements in this song. {{{{ BUT JUST TO BE SURE, SEE ACCOMPANYING YOU TUBE AUDIO CLIPS BELOW OF THIS SONG & MTUME'S "YOU, ME & HE", AND DO AN "A/B" COMPARISON FOR YOURSELVES ..... AND TO MAKE SURE I'M NOT CONJURING THIS UP IN MY MIND, ... YOU TELL ME :-( ..... }}}}
"Call Me" {Not to be confused with R&B/Funk band SKYY's 1981 urban hit of the same name} - {Written by Roger and Larry Troutman}
Once again ladies and gentleman :-/ ..... and maybe it's me hallucinating again, but I hear elements of YES, the groundbreaking Progressive British Rock band, and their 1983 hit, "Owner Of A Lonely Heart", throughout this song. This tune borders on the sounds of English New Wave, and the pioneering sounds of the German Dance/Techno ensemble, Kraftwerk. They certainly kept those new waveish synthesizer musings going on, by way of another English new wave band, A Flock Of Seagulls. This is one of those rare times you'll hear a drum machine used, mainly for the handclaps, which certainly surprised me, particularly coming from Roger T., but it worked.... {{{{ YET ONCE AGAIN !! ..... AND TO BE SURE, ..... SEE ACCOMPANYING YOU TUBE AUDIO CLIPS BELOW OF THIS SONG & YES' "OWNER OF A LONELY HEART", AND DO AN "A/B" COMPARISON FOR YOURSELVES ..... AND TO MAKE SURE I'M NOT, ..... ONCE AGAIN, ...... HEARING THINGS THAT ARE NOT THERE :-( .... YOU TELL ME :-( ..... }}}}
"Fire '85" - {Written by W. Beck, C. Satchell, J. Williams, L. Bonner, M. Jones, M. Pierce, R. Middlebrooks a.k.a. "The OHIO PLAYERS DURING THEIR COMMERCIAL PEAK" ...... R.I.P. to band founding members Mr. Clarence "Satch" Satchell 1940-1995 {Saxophones} and to Mr. Ralph "Pee Wee" Middlebrooks 1939-1997 {Trumpets, Flugelhorn} ..... } ~~~~~ {{{{ SEE ACCOMPANYING YOU TUBE AUDIO CLIPS BELOW TO HEAR THE ORIGINAL OHIO PLAYERS 1975 VERSION , ZAPP'S 1989 VERSION, AND SUGARFOOT'S 1985 VERSION }}}}
Sugar's version of his own song is played in the key of ZAPP .... and it kicks ! The funkalicous synthesizers dominate this percolating version of The Ohio Players classic ! The "Haley's Comet's Blazing Through The Midnight Sky" synthesizer effects are heard sporadically to give this track it's Cosmic space funk effect. (You'll know it when you hear it) ...... The live drums, particularly the live drums, is what give this song it's "UMPH", that "Kick You In The Chest" effect, if you will. The various live percussions adds that "party up" element it needs to keep your body moving. Of course, this song would NOT be complete with Sugar's distinctive "Well's !", "Owwws!", "Say What ?!?", and his trademarked, "Woo Woo Woo Woo's !!! .... and of course Sugar kills it on same the guitar solo he made famous 10 years prior to this recording. Rather than me talk about it, just refer to the You Tube Audio Clips below and ... ahem ... SET YOUR OWN ASSES ON "FIRE" ! ;-)
"Girl, I Need You" - {Written by Clarence "Chet" Willis, James "Diamond" Williams, Roger Troutman}
Good song, no doubt in my mind about that ! It'll have you dancing for sure ! But what made me raise my eyebrows, given the track record of the songs co-composers, and how they could've easily come up with their own melodies, is how they incorporated the main melody of a Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced jam for Thelma Houston. I'm referring to her 1984 MCA Records hit, "You Used To Hold Me So Tight". As I mentioned previously, the song is not bad, actually is the perfect closer to a great album. Though it's mainly drum programmed, bass synth riddled, synthesizer sustained chord progressioned, it blends well with Sugar's slightly echoed delayed manipulated lead vocal. The turntable scratching in the bridge gives this track it's Hip Hop edge which was developing during that "Krush Groove Movie" time period. Sugar, once again, delivers a rock 'n roll influenced guitar solo, though short. But yeah, you'll take whatever we're given from Sugar, even if it were a 2 bar solo, just to hear Sugar play is magical !.... {{{{ YET AGAIN, SEE ACCOMPANYING YOU TUBE AUDIO CLIPS BELOW TO HEAR THIS SONG, AND THE THELMA HOUSTON'S TRACK, "YOU USE TO HOLD ME SO TIGHT ..... AND YOU DO A "PEPSI CHALLENGE" BETWEEN THE TWO }}}}
To purchase this CD, please visit Wounded Bird Records Official website at : www.woundedbird.com/
Musically Yours,
Ran Man
"KISS"
"I'm Your Sugar"
Mtume "You, Me & He"
"CALL ME"
YES "OWNER OF A LONELY HEART"
THE OHIO PLAYERS 1975 ORIGINAL VERSION OF THEIR CLASSIC SONG, "FIRE"
SUGARFOOT'S NEW 1985 VERSION OF HIS SONG, "FIRE '85"
ZAPP'S 1989 RENDITION OF THE OHIO PLAYERS CLASSIC "FIRE", FROM THE LAST PROPER ZAPP ALBUM, "ZAPP 'V'ibe, ON WARNER BROTHERS RECORDS, TO INCLUDE ROGER TROUTMAN BEFORE HIS UNTIMELY PASSING IN 1999 {WAIT 8 SECONDS BEFORE AUDIO KICK IN}
SUGARFOOT "GIRL, I NEED YOU"
THELMA HOUSTON "YOU USED TO HOLD ME SO TIGHT"
6 comments:
omg i love how u put all of this together,,, they were and awesome group. i am from hamilton,ohio and went to school with one of their relatives, "shannon troutman" u have brought back some memories and alot of the history and music i never knew they had. i was born in "75" but love their music since i was a child.. thanks again for the history and music legends from hamilton...
april marcum
just heard his music for the first time and love it,, im from hamilton, ohio and went to school with roger troutmans neice.. all of the music and history are amazing,,, they truly are legends
Hi Sassy !
Thank you very much for your kind comments ! I really appreciate it ! :-) .... That's wonderful you got to know one of the Troutman family members.
I'm please I was able to turn you onto some music you've never heard before ! That's the SOLE reason why I created this blog, to turn music lovers onto music they've never heard before ! :-)
Thank you once again for stopping by, and please continue to do so. I appreciate you Sassy .. "April" ;-)
Musically Yours,
Ran Man
I was so moved by your comments. This acknowledgement is long overdue. "Sugar Kiss" was an unreconized master piece that never got a chance to be heard. Sugarfoot is a real legend of funk and an exceptional vocalist that doesn't get half the credit he deserves. So many artist have tried to duplicate his sound but their is only one Suga. Your coverage of each song was genuine and heartfelt. Great job, keep doing whatcha do. ;*) Oh, and the background vocals were HOT! if I must say so myself.
To Anonymous :
I wish I knew whom you are so I could personally THANK YOU VERY
MUCH for your kind and sincere
words ! I do appreciate them.
I try my very best each and every time to be as honest and accurate as best as I can. Your sentiments
just lets me know I'm doing something right. THANK YOU !
Musically Yours,
Ran Man
I am moved by everyones comments.
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