library funk

Library Funk: A Groovy History of the Unlikely Genre

The Seeds of Funk: Where Libraries Met the Groove

Library funk, a genre that sounds like a misnomer, is an unlikely but fascinating intersection of music and circumstance. It emerged in the 1960s and 70s, not in smoky clubs or bustling studios, but in the quiet corners of public libraries.

The story begins with the rise of “mood music,” a trend that swept through the 1950s. Libraries, realizing the power of music to set the ambiance, started creating collections of instrumental tracks designed to evoke specific emotions. This led to the creation of albums like “Music for Relaxation” and “Music for Studying,” which often featured smooth jazz, easy listening, and even orchestral pieces.

The Groove Takes Over: From Libraries to Record Stores

As the 1960s progressed, a new generation of musicians began incorporating elements of soul, funk, and jazz into these library-friendly albums. The result? A unique brand of instrumental funk that was both groovy and palatable enough for libraries. These tracks often featured hypnotic rhythms, catchy melodies, and the kind of jazzy flair that wouldn’t scare away a librarian.

The Funky Librarians: A Hidden World of Eccentricity

While the genre’s name may be tongue-in-cheek, there’s a certain truth to it. Some of the musicians behind library funk had a bit of an offbeat charm. Take, for example, “The Sound of the Universe” album by The Space Ritual, an instrumental group whose music is a blend of cosmic vibes and funky grooves. This band, with its penchant for bizarre album covers featuring flying saucers and otherworldly figures, had a distinctly cult-like following.

The Legacy of Library Funk: A Groove That Endures

While library funk might not be the first genre that comes to mind when you think of music history, it holds a unique place in the musical landscape. Its influence can be heard in the funky grooves of artists like Quincy Jones and James Brown, who frequently used similar instrumental arrangements and grooves in their own work.

Funny Facts:

• The “Music for Relaxation” album by Percy Faith was a top seller in the 1960s, proving that even libraries weren’t immune to the power of a catchy tune.
• The “Library Funk” album by John Coltrane (not actually John Coltrane, but a pseudonym for an instrumental group) is a popular internet meme, showcasing the genre’s unique appeal.
• A library in Chicago even held a “Library Funk” concert in the 1970s, featuring local musicians playing their favorite library-inspired tunes.

Library funk, a genre as unique as its origins, continues to be a source of fascination for music enthusiasts and a testament to the enduring power of a good groove. It’s a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, music can find a way to make us move.