Ultrafunk – Ultrafunk

Trading Places

£23.38

Format: LP
Catalogue No.: TDP54053
Barcode: 5060672880534
Release Date: May 2023
Genre: Funk

Anonymous British funk studio outfit Ultrafunk was spearheaded by Blues & Soul magazine proprietor John Abbey, who ran a fashionable record shop and label called Contempo in London's West End during the 1970s; he conceived of the group as the UK counterpart to US studio bands like MFSB. Arranger Gerry Shury, who had worked with Barry White and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, drafted guitarist Chris Rae and bassist Frank McDonald (who often composed library music together) and future Rubettes drummer John Richardson to form the group, in situ. A lack of band photos, suggestive song titles and a predilection for American cover tunes led many to believe the band was US-based. Their self-titled debut LP is where the myth all begins, with a number of truly atmospheric and cinematic hard funk instrumentals, given added textural depth through full orchestration, including covers of Bill Withers's "Use Me" and Stevie Wonder's "Living In The City." Though not quite as compelling as the better-known follow-up set, Meat Heat, there is still plenty to savor on Ultrafunk, making this debut companion disc a must-have for all true funk afficionados.

TRACKLIST
A1 Kung Fu Man
A2 Boogie Joe The Grinder
A3 Who Is He And What Is He To You
A4 Sting Your Jaws Part 1
B1 Sting Your Jaws Part 2
B2 Use Me
B3 Buffalo Soldier
B4 Sweet F.A.
B5 Living For The City