I thought all the major writers and editors in Seattle were smoking Sherm, because they lauded this film and soundtrack, and then pretended like we had NO FUNK SOUL SCENE. They often slagged on it with out even listening.
To be honest I will never really forgive them for that, though writers like Jonathan Zwickel have done some serious work to right that wrong.
Nonetheless a decade was lost as tastemakers tried to make Seattle something it was not and would never be again. But what Seattle has had, beyond its lilly white facade is a thriving Funk Soul scene that embraced its own Black stars like Tiffany Wilson, Jimmy James, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Derneill L. Washington, Jamal Roc Phizzle Robinson, Caine Coldnote, and countless others long before it was the cool thing to do. Back when it was just the right to do.
The scene is really about who can really play and regardless of skin tone, Seattle has always had PLAYERS like Joe Doria, Thaddeus Turner, Scotty X Christopher, Bubba Jones, and all these brothers of different mothers that have kept Funk alive.
We brought Matt Fink out here and he was just floored going from Nectar Lounge seeing Lucky Brown conducting a funk orchestra, pocket trumpet in hand, to popping over to 45th St to the Seamonster. That’s where he saw Funky 2 Death for the first time balling in complete control as young folks shook their asses as they lifted their minds to deep deep funk. That’s THE DR. FINK of The Revolution. He said Seattle felt like Minneapolis before Prince & The Revolution hit it big.
Well, now that writers like this Michael Rietmulder are dropping product in the press like this, it might be like Minneapolis.
But to me, Seattle has missed a couple of its own trains man. I’ll never believe the so called tastemakers who tell me about my friends I told them about ten years ago when they were young and hungry and the so called hipsters were elsewhere worshipping NO CHOPS and NO GROOVE. Talking smack about local funk like Megan Seling did in print, and then saying “ha ha, only kidding.”
That was the low point, where I almost thought a few writers began to wake up. But then again media was collapsing and mediocrity rules.
But I’ll be down whether this is White Hot or not. But can we get it right this time.
If Jimi didn’t leave he would have been a janitor, said Dr. Jimmy James.
I know who has shouted about this scene till his voice dissapeared forever Stevor Compton. I know who put blood sweat and tears in this scene Karen Zamm. I will NEVER let people forget.
Seattle got SOUL. And the world should know.
People in Jamaica and the UK ask me what is happening in Seattle. I say,
“We have an incredible funk soul scene revolving around the Seamonster.”
Ask somebody. Scott Rowe and Jonezy MC and Archibald Wellington III know.
Check it:
Davin’s new song has been released and is fast becoming a dancehall hit. Listen here on Reggaeville: DAVIN MICHAEL STEDMAN & ANTHONY RED ROSE – FREE YOUR MIND FEAT. SLY & ROBBIE WITH LENKY MARSDEN
– Musician and writer Davin Michael Stedman has many musical ventures and is one of the driving forces behind the Staxx Brothers. He has just returned from three weeks of networking and reporting from Kingston, Jamaica. Next stop, Lagos, Nigeria.
