GROOVEPUSHERS – Pushin' a Groove (Like has
Man Possessed)
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In a scene difficult as it is for “our” music, the representatives of the P-Funk movement are rare. That’s why I’m overcome with jubilation by revealing the existence of Groovepushers. It won’t hurt for once, thanks to the site MP3.com (so a non neglected medium ;o) I came across this EXCELLENT group, worthy heirs of George Clinton and his fellows’ legacy... (On top of that, Dr. Funkenstein granted them with the “Funk Licence” which is an indisputable tribute !!! ;o) The album I’m about to review (their one & only to my knowledge) dates back from June 87. Once again, I bless the creator of this revolution named Internet without whom I could never have discovered this record. I’m still amazed not to have heard a word about this precious gem. The plausible reasons I could find are, firstly, that only little is known about the windy C group (it’s an obstacle course even on the Web to find them). Secondly, this album being an independent project only a few units were distributed! QED ! Enough speaking now! Let’s study the line-up: * Tony Nason – Vocals/Keyboards
Just imagine that some of these musicians have played with George (naturally ;o), Parliament, Funkadelic, Gap Band, Cameo and many others... Is it good enough for you? You’re suddenly drooling over your keyboard or may be rooted to your seat ready to surf for hours on end to get the 411 ! Freeze!!! I will try to give my impressions as well as all the details I could unearth to appease you ! I’m sharing the result of my long hours of research due to the frenzy I felt by listening the downloaded tracks (Don’t worry ! I’ll give you the link. But not now. I’m keeping you in suspense ;o)) That’s Heavy Funk, the kind that makes damage. I’m convinced that once you've tasted it, you won’t be able to stop playing it ;o) because they are really “super bad”!!! There you go! Their unique record contains 15 tracks (including two remixes) half of which are such Funk bombs that you’d roll on the ground with exhilaration (I admit I’m being hard to please !!!) They start with "Groovepushers" and the tuning
is clearly given : it’s killing !!! "Funk'n’Soul (Sample 1)" sounds like an
easy option which explains why it doesn’t appear on my gem
short-list... "Funk and Soul and Rock' Roll, Shake that
body!" are almost the only but perfectly-fit words in
the song. "Stanky Sonic Boom" starts with loud kicks of drums; the successive psychedelic guitars (in the background) giving a particular tone to this track... The voices are perfectly in tune with the electricity in the air.. B-I-G P-FONK!!! The second gem of the album : Clinton would certainly not have disavowed this one ;o) Listen to this Bass/Drums duo and the guitar solo at the end è Explosive!!! The atmosphere suddenly changes with a pretty cool track based on a Bontempi-like machine o). "Angelica" can be qualified as rather simple, essentially instrumental with an electronic strident sound... Yet, the song is not bad at all... It’s even quite cloud-ninish and relaxing... We’re still in the mellow mood with " Brothers of
the Groove ". It’s a very well-done mid-tempo song
which defines this band‘s main musical color. This track is
led by a very deep and low voice plus a coaxing and omnipresent
saxophone (used this time only but how graciously...) It’s
a little more soul in the spirit but good anyway ;o) Foolproof elegance
and effectiveness. "Get yo Act Together" brings us back into the P-Connection. The track sounds more like psychedelic rock'n'roll so I‘ll leave it out from my list... I must admit that I feel quite ashamed being so demanding : their groove is so devastating ... But you know, they’re the ones to blame!!! The quality level shouldn’t have not been so high ;o). "Ain't nothing but the Groove " they conclude !!! I can hear and feel it : Yeah !!! ;o) The drums start direct (once again ;o) on "This Funk is for You" (That was their point then ? We had gathered long ago ;o). The guitars solos are still present and the P’s spirit still comes into force. At one moment in the song they shout " Flash light ", a way to state the obvious! Once again it’s a very interesting and powerful track. Then comes the VERY VERY HEAVY !!! "Cherry Black Sucker" which is close to be my odds-on favorite. It’s highly groovy, irresistibly funky, P and Psychedelic-inspired. The chanted voices are sheer happiness. 3rd Bomb o) Final decision :I can’t resist this kind of tune!!! The Mothership’s spirit is undoubtedly in the place. As good as PARLIAMENT’s pieces. A true " bowl of cherries ";o) They carry straight on striking me with their fatal blow : "Dogs
in the House" !!!!!!!!! An ode straightforwardly dedicated
to Dr. Funkenstein : as good as the subject that inspired it...
Every ingredient is there and it goes straight to the point with
the psychedelic guitars and voices. "Gimme that Chocolate" (the "Chocolate" meaning the person desired...), acts like some fresh air: It’s a slow which sounds pretty much like The Times’ ones, a bit more melodious though... A very good moment of truce that enables you to recharge your batteries and then, here we go again ! "Blind Man" contrasts with the other songs as
they decide to explore the Rock side of psychedelism in this piece.
I was confused at first hear since I’ve grown accustomed to
their warm and cheerful songs, miles away from this obscure and
melancholic atmosphere. "Keep on Movin' It Up (Ration 2)" is nothing more than "Get yo Act Together (part 2)", a kind of remix or bonus track... I am not too keen on remixes except if it really brings something special to the original track a longer or reworked version, which is the case here! Attention please ! Torpedo in yar ear !;o)) "Interplanetary
Peace"’s intro clearly set the atmosphere and gives
a clue to what will follow... "Hot Caliente" is the sixth and last atomic bomb of this gem: My friends ! It is as good as Slave’s productions in the Eighties!!! That is, a bass an drums both hammering the right tempo. The keyboard and guitar solos give the final touch to this pearl. My only disappointment lies in the words, a little redundant, and below the high standard of the track . "Groovepushers (Slide: Leaves 2)" conclude, like they began, and it OD’s me with good vibes and killing sounds. And I am not ready to get over it!!! I hope one thing now (for them and for us...), that this Chicago funk band with 10 year-career will be covered and given credits : THEY ARE TOO GOOD!!! Moreover, it is certainly not by chance if they were selected for a compilation “Tribute to Duke Ellington “ (US released 2001 ) produced by George Duke, Kashif and Dwayne Diggins, to name a beautiful few !...), mixing with renowned artists like Rachelle Ferrell, Guru, Jonathan Butler, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeve, Kenny Lattimore, Al Jarreau, Take 6, Kirk Whalum, Jeffrey Osborne, Otis Clay, Delya Chandler, Jerry Butler, The Dells, John Hendricks, Gregory Hines... (To view this record: http://www.lightyear.com/music/jazz/duke/duke.htm ) This band knocked me off my feet, made me hysterical and gave me a bunch of bananas. I can’t wait for the next album. Funkygirl
November 2003 Like I promised, links to discover these bombs: Their production is so excellent that we decided to make you discover several tracks via our Radio (Attention limited period): very soon And to keep you waiting, here’s the link to discover some
songs: like "Cherry Black Sucker", "Blind
Man" and "H.O.T. Caliente" www.mp3.com/Groovepushers
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