instrumental funk

Funkin’ Around: A History of Instrumental Funk

Instrumental funk, that groove-laden, rhythm-heavy style of music, isn’t just about the beat; it’s about a journey. A journey from the soulful foundations of jazz to the electrifying pulse of disco, with a healthy dose of experimentalism thrown in for good measure.

The seeds were sown in the fertile ground of 1960s soul music. Artists like James Brown, with his ferocious funk band, laid the groundwork with tracks like “Funky Drummer” and “Cold Sweat.” These songs, with their tight rhythms and hypnotic grooves, were ripe for exploitation by instrumentalists.

Enter **The Meters**, a New Orleans-based band that took the funk template and built a powerhouse of instrumental prowess. Their 1969 track “Cissy Strut” remains a cornerstone of the genre, with its infectious bassline and driving guitar riffs.

Throughout the 70s, instrumental funk blossomed. **The J.B.’s**, another James Brown-affiliated group, created funky masterpieces like “Pass the Peas” and “Hot Pants.” **The Ohio Players**, known for their flamboyant costumes and sexually charged lyrics, also explored the instrumental side of funk with tracks like “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster.”

But the story of instrumental funk isn’t just about big bands and legendary names. It’s also about quirky characters and hilarious anecdotes.

Take **Bootsy Collins**, bassist extraordinaire and funk icon. Known for his flamboyant attire and outlandish stage presence, Bootsy once claimed to have played a show wearing nothing but a “magic carpet” and a pair of “space boots.”

Then there’s **George Clinton**, the mastermind behind Parliament-Funkadelic, a collective known for their wild costumes and experimental sounds. Legend has it that Clinton once started a fight with a rival band by throwing a handful of “funk dust” at their lead singer.

Instrumental funk, despite its focus on the rhythm and groove, wasn’t just about partying. Bands like **The Headhunters** and **The Crusaders** injected a jazz sensibility into the genre, showcasing sophisticated melodies and intricate arrangements.

As the 80s arrived, instrumental funk began to fade into the background, overshadowed by the rise of electronic music. But its influence remains undeniable. From hip-hop to R&B to contemporary electronic music, the rhythmic foundations of instrumental funk are woven into the fabric of popular music.

So, next time you hear a catchy groove, a funky bassline, or a hypnotic rhythm, remember the journey of instrumental funk. It’s a story of soulful melodies, quirky characters, and the undeniable power of groove.