Music of the Day, 14 February 2024
another funky fusion
I don’t know if YouTube’s algorithm is pitching me better music, or if I’m just noticing and/or selecting new tunes better. Whatever’s going on, it’s really working for me. The name of this band was all it took to get my click—and was it ever worth it!
Rock Candy Funk Party (RCFP) is a jazz-funk supergroup, whose core members are: Tal Bergman (drums); Joe Bonamassa (guitar)1; Ron DeJesus (guitar); and Mike Merritt (bass). Brazilian keyboardist Renato Neto joined them on this album, We Want Grooove, which was released in 2013.
Today’s MotD track, “Octopus-e,” opens the album in fine style. To my ear, it’s a funky, riff-filled slow burner until Bonamassa launches into a distorted-guitar solo that’s slightly evocative of Tom Morello, followed by a deft turn in the spotlight by Neto. Headphones provide the best listening experience, especially for the cool guitar fades early on. It’s easy to get lost in the groove of this piece; with every listen, I’ve been surprised at how quickly the song goes by. I want more!
We Want Grooove did well on both the US and UK jazz charts, and I can see why from this song alone. I’m eager to explore more, especially since subsequent releases have included trumpet and sax, and ZZ Top singer/guitarist Billy Gibbons. Since stumbling across “Octopus-e”, I’ve listened to a few pieces from RCFP’s second album, Grooove Is King (2015), and I am hooked hard. So far, none has had vocals, making it great grooving music for while I’m working. It’s all been very tasty, funky rock-jazz.
The only band member I’m familiar with