DESCRIPTION:
Billy "Bass" Nelson (b. 1951), Ramon "Tiki" Fulwood (1944-1979), and in some instances off Funkadelic's eponymous debut album, Funk Brothers members Bob Babbitt, Andrew Smith, and Brad Ennis, make up one of the greatest rhythm sections of all time in terms of pocket and groove. Playing bass and drums for the original lineup of Funkadelic, they are often overlooked in the shadow of the great guitar solos by Eddie Hazel and Ray Monnette, but their ability to play tight grooves without being too showy makes them the heart and soul of early Funkadelic's sound. The examples I picked for this video demonstrate some of Tiki, Billy, and the Funk Brothers' tightest grooves as well as some of their more soloistic passages. The fact that they knew when to play which way is a testament to their abilities. As George Clinton says, Funkadelic is really about the mid-tempo soul music; not quite as slow as ballads and not quite as fast as mainstream funk. Keeping a steady groove at these mid-tempos is no easy task, and the way these guys play around with time but still keep it is just amazing. Coming up with idea after idea is certainly a sign of creativity, but in order to be genius art must also show restraint and taste. The Funkadelic rhythm section have shown generations of funk, soul, and hip-hop artists excactly how to do that. Please comment about your favorite Billy and Tiki moments and any other info about these guys!