Pick Up The Pieces – Phil Collins Big Band

by Skynyrd.com | Oct 27, 2019 | Blog, Classic Rock

Pick Up The Pieces – Phil Collins Big Band

A 20 plus minute big band, huge horn section version of “Pick Up The Pieces.” All is right with the world now.

I was really happy to find this today. I had no idea this was a thing. Phil Collins had this big band as a side project for a few years in the late nineties. This is from the 1998 Montreux Jazz Festival. An extended and highly arranged version, by Arif Mardin, of Average White Band’s classic, Pick Up The Pieces.

Get this video rolling, get ready to groove, and TTSU – TURN THAT SHIT UP!

Lots of great pickers in this line-up and it’s 20+ minutes of groove with highlights on top. Lots of saxophone solos, each one as good as the last.

Then you get to George Duke’s solo, which we’ve been waiting for for several minutes. And it make you realize how much we miss him. Especially us Frank Zappa fans. George Duke, we miss you buddy. Then after the last sax solo, an explosive one from the classy due in the suit, we get to see Mr Mardin’s arranging chops and the horn section.

I’ve never been that big of a Phil Collins fan, but he did us all a great service here. The Phil Collins Big Band was only around for a few years and just a few gigs. They released one album, A Hot Night In Paris. Of course, they covered some Genesis hits and Collins did some singing, but they did mostly other stuff. Check out The Los Endos Suite, conducted by Quincy Jones. Tasty stuff.

So we have this awesome version of a great song, 20 minutes of groove with a smokin horn section and he gave it to us with no drum solo!! Bravo, Mr Collins and God Bless You.

Dumpstaphunk – Ramble On

by Skynyrd.com | Mar 31, 2019 | Blog, Classic Rock

Dumpstaphunk – Ramble On

Formed in 2003 by Ivan Neville, Son of Aaron Neville of the legendary Neville Brothers Band, Dumpstaphunk began as a vehicle for Ivan to perform a solo set at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Since then Dumpstaphunk has grown into one of the country’s strongest touring and festival acts. Hailing from N’awlins, they bring together a diverse set of influences and genres and toss in healthy dose of that unique New Orleans vibe.

I’ve been aware of them for awhile, but never really jumped in to find out what they are about. So I came across this concert video from Leaf Fest, and just let it play while I was working. Whoah! It’s really strong. But, no surprise. Then in the middle of the show, this comes on…

It took me a minute to figure it out but it finally kicked in, “they’re covering Zepellin.” And it’s pretty damn cool. Go ahead and check out the rest of the show too. It well worth your time.

Check out Dumpstaphunk on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Phat Phunktion – Well Run Dry

by Skynyrd.com | Mar 23, 2019 | Blog, New Music

Phat Phunktion – Well Run Dry

A few weeks ago I was downloading music files to play on breaks at my bands gigs. (I know that’s some kind of violation of law somewhere. But you do what you gotta do.) It has some really good songs on it across a spectrum of blues, funk, and soul. But when this song came on it made me turn my head, and put my beer down. An even more significant feat.

It was the awesome horn section, of course, that made me sit up and pay attention. But it really stuck out from all the rest.

Phat Phunktion on Amazon

Phat Phunktion is from Madison, WI and have been around for awhile. They really stand out to me because they are not just a tribute/cover band. This is original material with really good production, arranging, and very accomplished players. This is as close to TOP as I’ve heard.

It doesn’t look like they are currently active, there hasn’t been any new gigs listed on their website since Sep 2018. They do have some released albums and songs for download on their website. And you can visit their online store.

You can also find them on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

Maceo Parker – Shake Everything You Got

by Skynyrd.com | Mar 6, 2019 | Blog

Maceo Parker – Shake Everything You Got

Maceo, Won’t ya Blow!

James Brown summoned Maceo Parker many times over the years to work his sax magic. When it comes to tight funk and soul, it just doesn’t get any better than this.

Maceo Parker on Amazon.com

From the 1996 documentary “My First Name Is Maceo.” As always I urge you to purchase it and any other videos or albums to help support these artists. It’s how they make their living, and they give us a lot of entertainment and joy.

Along with Maceo are former band mates Fred Wesley (trombone) and Pee Wee Ellis (saxophone). They played together in James Brown’s Band and later in the JB’s. There’s something special about the two sax and bone combination. You don’t hear it very often.