My first exposure to Kool and the Gang was “Celebration” – the ultimate wedding, bar mitzvah, party hit. If I remember correctly, I think I first heard the song when it was still getting airplay.
Years later, after college, one of my roommates turned me on to “Jungle Boogie” and I became a born-again Kool and the Gang junkie (also on the album I bought was “Open Sesame” with gongs and everything).
Dig the funky grooves, great clothes and guttural grunts.
First there was organ jazz, then the fusion scene, now it is Medeski, Martin and Wood. Complete virtuosity, impeccable musicianship, groove, interesting phrasing and harmonies, comfortable in the pocket or at the frontiers of tonality – MMW is the ultimate Jazz/Groove ensemble.
I went to college with these guys and it was obvious then that they were going to be huge – their student recitals were to packed houses, they were featured in every honors group, they got the choice gigs around town, and they generated a sincere excitement every time they performed. It was only a question of time before someone gave them a break.
Whether or not you dig out-there instrumental music, it is worth your time to give MMW a listen – if nothing else, you will be dazzled by their complete mastery of their instruments and the incredible way they interact with each other.