JSngry Posted January 11, 2007 Report Posted January 11, 2007 http://www.dustygroove.com/item.php?id=629...p;ref=index.php CD (Item 448377) Vistone/P-Vine (Japan), 1975 -- Condition: New Copy A crazy bit of funk from drummer Roy Porter -- a player who first rose to fame during the LA bop years of the late 40s, but who sounds even hipper here in the 70s! The album's got a madly skittish approach to funk -- one that's highly rhythmic, but often in unconventional ways -- somewhat similar to Redd Holt's excellent albums for the Paula label. Roy plays drums, percussion, and sings a bit -- and the grooves run from break-heavy instrumentals to even cooler numbers that bring in more of a sense of flow and soul -- really opening things up beyond any simple 70s jazz funk cliches, and hitting some really wicked new territory! Instrumentation includes plenty of great horns, electric piano, guitar, and even a bit of Arp -- all used in really inventive anc reative ways. Titles include the classic crate-digging favorites "Panama" and "Party Time", plus a vocal version of "Jessica", a cover of Jobim's "Waver-ing", and another nice original called "Funny Feelin'"! Tremendous stuff all the way through! http://www.dustygroove.com/item.php?id=j96...p;ref=index.php CD (Item 448380) Vistone/P-Vine (Japan), 1974 -- Condition: New Copy A wonderful mix of soul jazz, funky rhythms, and even more experimental moments -- a truly tremendous effort from LA drummer Roy Porter, and the first set issued under the name of his Sound Machine group! The groove here is really unconventional -- filled with unusual timings, phrasings, and changes that push it way beyond more familiar jazz funk of Prestige, Fantasy, or CTI -- yet still all very much in the pocket, with a righteously soulful vibe that's incredible! The cover's inspired by Roy's son's love of motocross -- and one number even features a bit of motorcycle sound effects along with the grooves! The rest of the tracks are heavier on the horns, and feature some wonderful arrangements that are filled with soul and style -- always a bit edgey, and never too slick or straightforward. Titles include the classics "Funky Twitch" and "Hip City", plus "Drums for Daryl", "Ooh-La-La", and the legendary "Jessica", a really beautiful number! Roy Porter?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Quote
Noj Posted January 11, 2007 Report Posted January 11, 2007 Hey Jim, I have the songs "Party Time" and "Hip City" on compilations I downloaded from eMusic. Funky stuff, I especially like "Party Time." The compilations were put out by the Ubiquity/Luv N Haight folks. Quote
marcello Posted January 11, 2007 Report Posted January 11, 2007 I've never heard them and don't think I want to. His book, "There And Back", is a strange read because after the very early 50's, his music is all very commercial and there's not much of it at that. Quote
chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez Posted January 11, 2007 Report Posted January 11, 2007 whoooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Quote
Dig'Em Posted January 11, 2007 Report Posted January 11, 2007 I'm about 87% sure I've got that first LP. Can't remember a damn thing about it. Will have to try to remember to pull it out this weekend. Sounds like I enjoyed Porter's autobio a bit (but only a bit) more than Marcello. I suppose I enjoyed the war stories and was more able to overlook some of the grandstanding and emphasis on his few 'hits' and later years. Quote
blind-blake Posted March 3, 2009 Report Posted March 3, 2009 Just heard a sample from "Jessica" and it sounded really good. Thought I would give this thread a bump to see if anyone has heard these Roy Porters after all this time. Anybody? Quote
clifford_thornton Posted March 3, 2009 Report Posted March 3, 2009 I've thought about picking up that Jessica reissue from time to time, but never pulled the trigger. OG LPs of that are 'spensive! Quote
blind-blake Posted March 5, 2009 Report Posted March 5, 2009 Too pricey. Yeah, you're probably right, although I know I've paid more for some CDs. Such is the life of a music addict. Quote
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