James Brown - Sho is Funky Down Here. 1971 USA-Ohio

Sho is Funky Down Here is the brother album to The Grodeck Whipperjenny, an album I've been talking about for over a decade. Given the new reissues on Now Again, it gives us a chance to revisit these classics in the proper manner. And in my case, I never did hear this album until now. And you can't talk about one without the other, because essentially these albums are lead by arranger and keyboardist David Matthews. Brown for his part mumbles a few words on two tracks, gets in a couple of organ chords, and models for the cover. Hey why not? Matthews didn't mind... talk about a marquee name behind you! Besides Brown was his employer at the time.

The music of both albums are similar, that of a hard instrumental psychedelic funk. Whereas The Grodeck Whipperjenny had elements of a European early progressive rock act, Sho is Funky Down Here is more purest in its stance. This one has a groove that won't quit. And if you like your funk with fuzzy guitars, then it's hard to imagine you not loving this one. At 31 minutes, though, it leaves you wanting more.

Ownership: CD: 2019 Now Again

Similar to The Grodeck Whipperjenny with excellent liner notes, photos, and a nice digipak. Still think they should have reissued the 2 albums together, but OK, they mined the source for more revenue. My business mind approves. My consumer mind doesn't.

6/9/19 (new entry)