• Funkcronomicon album cover
    Funk

    Funkcronomicon

    The list of people involved in producer Bill Laswell’s 1995 Axiom Funk project is almost laugh-out-loud ridiculous, it’s so good: George Clinton, Bernie Worrell, Bootsy Collins, Herbie Hancock, Sly & Robbie, Sly Stone, Buckethead, Eddie Hazel, Maceo Parker, and a host of others. Reworked previously released tracks mix it up with new creations from Laswell and co.’s brilliantly imaginative minds.

    The album is out of print, but can be found if you poke around online (including Amazon) – or if you know cool people like The Swiss Funkmaster – thanks b. 😉

    You want a funky rhythm? Look no further.

    Axiom Funk – Under the Influence (Jes Grew)

    George Clinton: Vocals
    Gary “Mudbone” Cooper: Vocals
    Bootsy Collins: Vocals / Guitar
    Herbie Hancock: Piano
    Robbie Shakespeare: Bass
    Sly Dunbar: Drum Programming
    Anton Fier: Drums
    Daniel Ponce: Congas
    Aiyb Dieng: Cowbells / Percussion
    Michael “Clip” Payne: Vocals
    Debra Barsha: Vocals
    Zhana Saunders: Vocals
    Edwin Rodriguez: Tuba
    Joe Daly: Baritone Horn
    Ted Daniel: Trumpet / Flugelhorn
    Janet Grice: Bassoon
    J.D. Parron: Tenor Saxophon / Flute
    Horns arranged and conducted by Henry Threadgill

    Buy Funkcronomicon on Amazon.

    All Music’s review of Funkcronomicon.

    Check out a video from the album. Watch Bootsy & Buckethead cover Jimi’s “If 6 Was 9”:

    Playing on “If 6..”

    Bootsy Collins: Lead Vocals / Space Bass
    Blackbyrd McKnight: Guitar
    Nicky Skopelitis: Guitar
    Robert Musso: Backward Guitar
    Buckethead: Intro Guitar
    Lili Haydn: Violin

  • Ambient,  Latin,  World

    Laswell’s Rhythmic Stew

    Tonight it’s all about atmospherics. I only own one Bill Laswell album: ‘Imaginary Cuba’. On top of that, Nick from Jazz and Conversation posted a great sample / podcast of his work a while back. So obviously I need to get on the ball and pick up some more of his stuff. From what I’ve heard, the man knows how to set a mood, and lay down some gorgeous and enchanting rhythms. You can find out all about the man at his All Music bio.

    For my little mini podcast / sample, I’ve put together the three “Habana Transmission” tracks that are spread throughout ‘Imaginary Cuba’. Like one review of the album says, what you’re hearing is a “rhythmic stew… complex and often dub-inflected sound collages that sound like no one but Laswell while still maintaining respect for the music’s origins.” So here you are, and – let it be noted – this is most definitely headphone-worthy.

    Bill Laswell: Habana Transmission #1 / Avisale a la Vecina Dub | Habana Transmission #2 / Cuban Evolution | Habana Transmission #3 / Shango Sound Scan