The jazz, funk & soul supergroup compilation is available to order via Color Red Music
Funk, soul and jazz are always a fond example of music marriages that work. Such a combination offers a wide range of soundscapes that pave paths leading to wondrous discoveries. Collaborative spirits often intertwine as musicians tackle the genres in question. Record label Color Red Music succeeds regularly with this and has done so again with their newest edition of Floki Sessions, including latest single “Boots in Place”, which brings collaboration to the front row with comfort.
“Boots in Place” is a genuine funk buffet filled with horn appetizers, beat entrees and a vocal dessert. Each member of the collective easily brings their individual flair that matches well as a group. Soul flourishes right alongside the funk with powerful vocals that are hard to ignore. Every twinkle of the keys or toot of the horns offers up new sounds per listen. Fans will be picking out bits upon bits forever. Listeners hear something new with each spin prompting an intense study. The track is a great example of the songs to come, and fans will be set for the summer season in style.
For music fans, the roster is an impressive supergroup: George Porter, Jr. (The Meters), Eddie Roberts (The New Mastersounds), Robert Walter (Greyboy Allstars & Roger Waters), Nikki Glaspie (The Nth Power), and guests Erica Falls (Galactic), Son Little, Eric “Benny” Bloom (Lettuce), Lamar Williams Jr. (Trouble No More), Tierinii Jackson (Southern Avenue), Nate Miller, and GreenTTea. You can pre-order Floki Sessions HERE. George and Eddie of the group shared that collaborative energy well with their thoughts on the work to date:
This entire production and experience seemed like a dream. Was there a moment that stood out in your mind while creating?
George: Being in Iceland was a mind-blowing experience in and of itself. What stood out right from the start was how easy it was to create pockets and play together with Nikki as if we were a rhythm section that had played together for years.
Collaboration seems to be the key of these successful sounds. What is the best collaboration tactic you use when working with other contemporaries? Have there been difficult moments?
George: Collaborating with other players that are not members of a band you regularly play with can sometimes be hard as you may not share the same approach to creating music. It could have been particularly challenging as this was a band of all band leaders who are used to being followed. This group was different as everyone was open to hearing each other and played great together. Any small difficult moments were worked out so quickly and cooperatively. I can say there were none.
Who would be a musician that you would like to work with next? What do you envision that sound to be?
George: I would actually like to make a jazz record with John Scofield someday. As far as what that would sound like I don’t have a clue right now, I just think it would be great to work with John on a jazz project as we already made a gospel record.
What are you looking forward to when not jamming this coming season and why?
George: I am looking forward to finishing the three records that I have started with my own bands, both the Porter Jr Trio and the Runnin’ Pardners and spending more time relaxing and enjoying time with my little great granddaughter.
Eddie, you are on a constant roll with Color Red magic it seems, what are you most excited about for this summer and why?
Eddie: The Floki album is a definite highlight of my last year of production and music making, and I’m really excited to have the full album out in the world. I also just launched a new band during NoLa JazzFest, Eddie Roberts & the Lucky Strokes. We cut an album in January this year, and it’s a slight departure from my instrumented funk norm. Featuring Shelby Kemp on vocals from Mississippi, and the Galbraith Sisters on drums and bass from St Pete’s, FL, it’s definitely got some strong Southern roots – kind of funky southern rock!
What is a challenge you wish to tackle next for your work overall and why?
Eddie: It’s quite the balancing act running a label, managing bands, producing music and touring live. After the forced hiatus, that ended up being a welcome break from touring for me, I’m easing myself back into more touring and feeling good about it.
What are you looking forward to when not jamming this coming season and why?
Eddie: I’ve got a few sailing trips in the books! I’m also starting a sommelier course, after just launching my first curated wine list at a local Denver Bar! I’ll also be out in Europe with New Mastersounds; throwing an intimate little fest, Bajaja Music Festival later in the year; and touring the US with The Lucky Strokes.
How do you keep your craft fresh and evolving? Is it the collaboration or are there other influences that aid in the development?
Eddie: Keeping an open mind, not getting stuck in one way of thinking, and yes collaborating with others, and not just musicians… letting life influence the craft.
