Rhythm Machine - Rhythm Machine (1976)

A fantastic independent LP of funky soul, this self-titled album by Rhythm Machine is fulled of little nuggets that will tickle your groove-loving ears. Hailing from Indianapolis, the group was made of members Meride Williams and Donald Harris on saxophones, Hopie Bronson on keyboards, James Boone (bass guitar/lead vocals), Robert Dycus (drums), Maurice Puckett (guitar), and Dennis McNeil on conga.
The collective writing and arrangements have a great mid-70s feel, with lots of space, and a great warm sound that's a perfect balance between fully organic sound and the right bits of electric keyboards in the mix.
Includes 'You Got Action, You Got Me", 'Everybody's Chippin' and the great longer piece 'Thought My Love Was Fine'.

Enjoy it!
Greg

Link in comments...

greg kahn

welcome to my dear friends from all parts of the world

Joe Bataan - Afrofilipino (1975)

A key piece of latin funk, though not such a famous piece of Mr Bataan's discography, 'Afrofilipino' pays tribute to his origins while pushing ahead the boogaloo/soul formula that made his breakthrough with Fania in the 1960s.
Bataan's first album on the newly-formed Salsoul label (a phrase he was instrumental in coining), this record contains a healthy dose of organ/keyboard- filled latin funk, with a rather unique sound. The hit single back in the days was his great pre-disco cover of Gil Scott-Heron 'The Bottle' (re-titled 'La Botella'), while the title track, 'Women Don't Want To Love Me' and the epic 2-part song 'What Good Is A Castle' are all high points of the genre.

Enjoy it!
Greg

Link in comments...

Tyrone Thomas & The Whole Darn Family - Has Arrived (1976)

For those still unaware, this is one of the classic independent underground funk LPs of the 1970s! The Whole Darn Family were a seven-piece band (augmented by a six-piece horn section) from Richmond, Virginia, featuring the production and writing skills of August Moon and lead vocalist Tyrone Thomas.
The tunes here range from driving soul sounds as in "You Know That You Lied" to more complex numbers like "Fly Away Love Bird," which exhibits Joel Smither's lovely flute. The oft-sampled, seven-minute instrumental "Seven Minutes of Funk" is funk-fused with jazz elements, accented by Steve Carey's synthesizer, Woody Hughes' emphatic bass playing, Tommy Bryant and Kenny Mimms' sweet guitar licks, and Thomas' steady drumming. A funky "Ain't Nothing to Do," unleashes a rock guitar punctuated by O. T. Young's conga beats and keyboardist Clinton Smith's solid playing, while the teary "I'm Hurt" has a strong Al Green/Otis Redding vibe.

Enjoy it!
Greg

Link in comments...