Download or Listen to Kool and the Gang – Funky Granny from the De-Lite 45

Greeting to all who are not ready to get back into the real world here in the States due to this three day Labor Day Weekend. There is a lot going on: McCain’s surprise VP pick, Hurricane Gustav getting way too close to New Orleans (and hoping thee isn’t a repeat of Katrina), and a 13 pound baby born in Columbia, among other things. I’m going to drop a 45 today, that while not so rare, will hopefully get your mind off of the everyday grind and the aforementioned shenanigans going on in the world. Here is Kool and the Gang with “Funky Granny” on De-Lite Records.

Robert and Ronald Bell grew up in Jersey City, NJ. Getting their musical influence from their father, a professional boxer and Jazz lover (and good friend to Thelonious Monk), they started out as the Jazziacs in 1964, with Ronald playing the horns and Robert on bass. Adding guitarist Charles Smith and Woody Sparrow, plus trombone player Cliff Adams, trumpeter Spike Mitchens, keyboard player Ricky West, drummer Funky George Brown and saxophonist Dennis Thomas, the Jazziacs turned into the Soul Town Band, Kool and the Flames, and finally KATG. Most of the members stayed in for the long haul. Originally a Jazz outfit, they took Jazz arrangements and added it to their funky sound. After signing to De-Lite they had a few hits, and became a name on the R&B circuit. Although their early hits weren’t high charters, they showcased their live show on Live at the Sex Machine, and it only took 6 records to really get the ball rolling. Hits like “Funky Stuff”, “Hollywood Swinging”, “Jungle Boogie”, finally “Open Sesame” from the Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack (which won them a Grammy) really opened the world’s eyes to their sound. Although it had changed with the times like so many bands to Disco, KATG could really not look back. At the end of the 70’s they paired with Deodado who produced a few records as well as Jersey City native JT Taylor who singing would contribute to more of their success. The hits kept piling up: “Ladies Night”, “Celebration” “Get Down On It”, and “Cherish”. Although they would have some personnell changes into the 80’s, they continued to make records into the 90’s and 00’s, touring and playing music still. Their loss of JT Taylor eventually to a solo career and the death of Charles Smith would not help their cause, as they could not get back to the glory years as of late. However, KATG remain a band that would be sampled by many artists, and rank up there with James Brown as a most sampled act. Their presence in this Funk and Soul game can not be denied. Their records are common yes, but that doesn’t mean they are not good. Put the needle on “Raw Hamburgers” or “Let the Music Take Your Mind” and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

“Funky Granny” weaves a tale of a hot pant wearing Grandma. With some great breaks and the signature KATG horn section, Granny definitely has got some Soul. To me, it’s got all the key ingredients to what I love in a funky track. The hollerin’ and banter combined with the great musicianship of this tight knit out fit straight out of Jersey prove that even if you’re old, you can still shake it and keep it moving. I have seen some Funky Grannies here in Asbury Park, and you can be sure that when this track was out in 1972, these boomin’ grannies were probably hot numbers. Enjoy this not so popular track from one of the Funk games veterans. Keep Diggin’, and send me those photos of the Funky Grannies. See you at the end of the week.