I know a phone call that made somebody's day...This was the call when Marva Whitney's (that's the Marva Whitney that sang with the James Brown review) manager called the manager of the Osaka Monaurail (Japan's primo JB-esque funk kings, named after a late period JB's album), and said,"Yes,Ms.Whitney would be glad to cut a record with you."
If you are the top funk band in Japan, and have pretty much styled your sound on the James Brown big-funk-band model, you would be ecstatic to back one of The Man's best singers.
The fact that the vocals are really the only thing missing from your complete mastery of the JB sound, does not escape you, and so,problem solved, you go out and cut the best post-James Brown,James Brown record by a country mile.
This is good old funk here folks, with strong female vox, and a tight-as-a-drum band, that knows where The One is, and takes solos the way Fred and Maceo used to do.
Like the myriad of soul artists "coming back" with new records Marva Whitney proves age ain't nuthin' but a number, and, in fact, the added maturity adds even more grit to a voice that was already down and dirty.
I think it was an article in Wax Poetics where I found out about the Osaka Monaurail, and I have to admit, I was mighty skeptical.Truth is though, these cats can lay it down. If you enjoyed the funky soul that Sharon Jones and Amy Winehouse have made with The Dap Kings, then this record should be right up your alley.
Please have a funky friday.
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Damn, son! That seriously grooves.
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p>.It's Her Thing
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You gotta think these guys would kill live....
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Give It Up Or Turn It Loose
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Here's the Osaka's Without Marva. Kinda uncanny on the JB's duplication..
Just Bein' Free
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Sushi AND Funk in the same post? I think I may faint with delight. Next time I'm in Toyko I'm looking those guys up. Domo Arrigato, Cody-san. ;-)
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Yes, it is some str8 JB Fonk. Thanks for posting that slice. I wonder if there is a compilation out on Marva like the Best of Lynn Collins I picked up a couple of years back?
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Hey Lady Miss..long time no mog..how's married life treating you?
Mr.biminiroad This one is out there for Marva..I just picked up an Anna King comp,too
►Try this link for marva ◄
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Thanks Cody, I'd never heard of either Marva Whitney or Osaka Monaurail, but after listening to the tasters you posted it looks like you got me seriously hooked - love it!
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Cool Jo..I hadn't heard of the Osaka cats til about a month ago and they are 2 or 3 albums in..sheesh,I really am slacking off. Marva I knew from her James Brown days,but that was 40 years ago. She does it pretty good with those guys from Osaka for a 60+ year old. Anyways here's some classic marva from '67. Unwind Yourself
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Mmm Hmm! Osaka Monaurail is definitely the bomb. It took me a while to find any of their albums here in the states, although dustygroove.com is pretty good about having them since they have buyers in Japan that will take the edge off the import price. Stellar band from top to bottom in true JB form. Excellent post sir.
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Right on Dave,thanks..Glad you caught the groove,Groon!
Mr.lander, here's a video snippet of Marva and The Monaurail
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Damn good stuff. They definitely bring the wasabi...
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Wow thanks I am gonna try and cop that 1 asap. One of the great underrated funkstresses of all time.
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I am what I am. Sounds so familiar and yet I can't place it. Great stuff as always Cody. Sounds really fresh.
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dahhhmmn, this is too good. i am a believer. Cody, you are the Main San.
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Cody, your funkalicious munificence humbles us all... I've always been a fan of Marva W and those Monaurails are as tight as hayday JBs. Thanks ever so much for these tickets to ride the monorail.
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Heh, Thanks Bartleby, here's the space age monaurail that launched the band..
Damn Brendan if only there were more Japanese funk bands, we could have a field day with cross cultural monikers, Sashimi Soul,etal.
F-R-E-S-H like a California Roll fisty with extra spinach from Popeye's stone cold spinach stash.
Ms.Poe, thank you so much for attending today sermon.
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Man,I get so used to being able to go back and edit comments..today's sermon,I meant to say.
Just to bring things full circle, here's The JB's Monaurail (stay tuned for the first chord change at 2:35or so). This tune was taking a swipe at the B.T. Express tune (Here Comes) The Express. Oh yeah,beef goes back way before Queensbridge. Another note, BT Express was one of the first concerts I attended without a chaperone. Enough already..have a good weekend.
(It's Not The Express)It's The J.B's Monaurail
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Quite a damn tasty Friday this is shaping up to be.
Thanks Cody.... one I must procure, I do believe!
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That album cover - the outer space monorail - is one the most brilliant I've ever seen. I bet the LP must cost a fortune.
PS: I'm wondering why they spelled it "monaurail," it doesn't sound monaural to me ;)
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That LP is classic. I think Eric B & Rakim have got a vamp sample offa there although I forget what song it is. I must drop the needle on my vinyl this weekend!! I bought that thang in a cut-out bin in the early 90s. I just saw a slab of the Marva vinyl for over a hundred $$ on ebay.
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Bimini..For all things sample related..click here ◄◄
I started hearing about the JB's Monaurail when I lived in Chicago, where it was an anthem among the stepper set.. check my intro to the steppers here ◄◄
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Marva is most marvelous. That band behind her just kicks! Love it... thanks for sharing.
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These cuts are great. Another discovery.