Internationally acclaimed Israeli guitarist and composer Oz Noy follows his provocative two-volume exploration and reinvention of his blues roots (Twisted Blues) with “Who Gives a Funk”– a examination of classic funk and R&B grooves, spiked with his uniquely unhinged improvisational instincts. “Simple, funky music – but soulful,” is how Noy describes it, while acknowledging that simple is not synonymous with easy: The discipline and clarity these classic structures demand put even the finest musicians to the test, and Noy and his all-star cohorts deliver a remarkable program that uncovers intriguing new pathways through timeless forms.
Inspired by the funk-blues nexus of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s music of artists like Freddie King, James Brown, Albert Collins, “Who Gives a Funk” mixes concise, compelling original compositions with reimagining of vintage standards by Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Sam Cook, Charles Mingus, and even Thelonious Monk – mostly tracked live in the studio for maximum grit and spark. A core group of New York’s finest is augmented by an impressive array of guest appearances, including performances by John Medeski, Dweezil Zappa, funk pioneer Fred Wesley, Chris Potter, Robben Ford, Randy Brecker, Joe Bonamasa, members of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s Double Trouble, and Living Color vocalist Corey Glover.
Through it all, Noy’s guitar is the connecting thread. Whether steering the band with incisive, stark rhythm work or soaring over the grooves with impeccable single-note leads that recall the graceful, nuanced inflection of a fine soul vocalist, Noy brilliantly walks a musical tightrope spanning the best of the past and the future. Surprising, danceable, and accessible, “Who Gives a Funk” is a powerfully heartfelt new statement from one of contemporary guitar’s great improvisational stylists.
Format: CD Cat No.: ABLX 052 Barcode: 700261436814
Line up
Oz Noy (Guitar), Ian Hendrickson-Smith (Saxophone), Will Lee (Bass) and Rocky Bryant (Drums).
Track list
01. Come on 02. Flashback 03. Better get it in your soul 04. I got you (I feel good) 05. A change is gonna come 06. Ice man 07. Zig Zag 08. Damn, this groove 09. Little wing 10. Five spot blues
Recording information
Recorded at The Carriage House, CT September 8,9, 2015. Mixed by Neil Dorfsman Produced by Oz Noy
"Oz Noy may be one of the most talented guitarists around, but it’s hard to imagine a less vainglorious album than Who Gives a Funk. The Israeli guitarist invited a slew of A-listers to join his group for 10 straightforward funk/R&B tunes rooted in the ’70s. A party record with mad skills, it plays like an homage to James Brown and his contemporaries.."