Funk. Yep, catch me when the time is right, and I very well might be “The Funk Father.” I’ve always had an affection for proper 70s funk and soul – even trying to work some of those grooves into my own jams back in that strange time called “The 1990s.” My Dunlop Cry Baby Wah Wah pedal got a workout in those days, and while most of what I did went in some weird punky-metal direction, my own musical schizophrenia diversity has always led me to enjoy many types of music, despite “rock” being home base. One band I’ve dug comes straight out of Dayton, Ohio, and there’s a good chance that even if you don’t know THE OHIO PLAYERS, you’ll recognize their music – hits like “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster” (covered in ’96 by THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS). Now, four of the original Ohio Players (Drummer James ‘Diamond’ Williams, Keyboardist Billy Beck, Guitarist Clarence ‘Chet’ Willis and Percussionist Robert ‘Kuumba’ Jones) are back in the studio working on a new record with an energized line-up and they’re seeking some crowdfunding help to make it happen. Check out the details on the new album, RESET below, along with The Ohio Players’ IndieGoGo pitch…
Now, as many readers know, I have some issues with crowdfunding, and while I hope to see The Ohio Players successful in their latest funk adventure, I think asking for $150K is unrealistic, and asking for too much in general. With few exceptions, the best campaigns tend to be those with smaller, attainable goals, though with IndieGoGo (as opposed to Kickstarter), the band will be able to keep whatever they raise.
Want more grooves? Connect with The Ohio Players over on Facebook.
