Tired of funk compilations that are simply rotating the same songs and artists over and over? This fantastic collection presents 16 rare tracks from the vaults of RCA, Bluebird and the legendary Flying Dutchman labels. Without a doubt, many listeners will probably be hearing these songs for the first time but those adventurous enought to dive into the deep end of this soulful pool will be rewarded with the hippest, funkiest chillout album in years. More importantly, while reflecting African American culture of the late 60's/ early 70's these songs also trace the beginings of the jazz/soul fusion and hip hop movements.

The album kicks of with Nina Simone's sexy cover of Aretha Franklin's "Save Me". Cool and soulful (an element that runs through the entire CD) is the name of the game here; booty-shakin' basslines and scratchy guitars provide the perfect support for Ninas' sultry vocals.

The Jimmy Castor Bunch are represented with 1971's "It's Just Begun" and if you are unfamiliar with Jimmy Castor you may find yourself hunting down his records after hearing this percussion-infested dancefloor anthem.

There are so many outstanding tracks here to mention all of them but some highlights include the nasty funk of the Nite-Liter's "Afro Strut", Harold Alexander's "Tite Rope" and the legendary Gil Scott-Heron's blistering "Home Is Where The Hatred Is".

As "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown" has taught us, we need to give credit to the backing musicians and in this case, it is an impressive list of talents (and this is a partial list!): Eric Gale, Richard Tee, Gerry Jemmott, Wilbur Bascomb, Bernard Purdie, Ron Carter, and Don Alias.

BMG deserves major kudos for scouring the vaults and uncovering these gems for music lovers to discover once again. Grab this album now before a savvy producer does because when the word gets out, you will no doubt hear these fine grooves sampled all over Top 40 radio.

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Various Artists

Flying Funk

Released: February 18, 2003
Origination Year: 2003
Time: 70:22
Tracks: 16
Produced by: Barry Feldman
Engineered by: Various
Mastered by: Michael O Drexler at Sterling Sound, NYC
Style: Studio/Compilation
Format: CD
Enhancement: None
Label: RCA/Bluebird Records
Website: N/A

Save Me - Nina Simone
Afro Strut - Nite-Liters
It's Just Begun - The Jimmy Castor Bunch
We Gettin' Down - Weldon Irvine
Expansions - Lonnie Liston Smith
Home is Where The Hatred Is - Gil Scott-Heron
Mama - Esther Marrow
No More Tears - The Loading Zone
Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter - Nina Simone
Tite Rope - Harold Alexander
A Chance For Peace - Lonnie Liston Smith
This is The Me Me (Not the You You) - Richard 'Groove' Holmes and Brenda Jones
Got to Get a Knutt - The New Birth
Happiness is Just Around The Bend - The Main Ingredient
What's Going On?/Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone - Bernard Purdie
Plane of Illusion - Johnny Griffith