Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles

**Marinero** · 02-15-2022, 10:14 AM

From '72-'74, I played horn in an R@B group that, previously, toured for years as a Gospel group on the Gospel Music circuit. At the time, everyone was paying for live music in Chicago and the gigs were plentiful throughout the city. So, they started an R@B group. The vocals/harmonies in the group were outstanding and we were doing stuff like Al Green, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, the Temptations, the Isley Brothers, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Bobby Womack, etc. Songs were fluid with everyone getting a chance to solo and always by our third show, the room was packed. Here's a group I just heard this morning that takes me back to that time in Popular Music History with a real period vibe and strong Gospel roots. Check out the piano, bass, and guitar solos. Five Stars in my book.
Marinero

P.S. Check out the guitarist . . . he's playing a Fender Squire. M

**nevershouldhavesoldit** · 02-15-2022, 10:35 AM

He's an amazing keyboard player and a very versatile musician / composer / arranger / performer - and his bands have been top notch. I discovered his entourage on YouTube a while back and really love what they're puttin' down! You can stream several of his albums from his website.

**kris** · 02-15-2022, 11:33 AM

Thanks Marinero,
Great band & great solo of guitarist.
Best
Kris

**AKA** · 02-15-2022, 02:05 PM

Marinero,

I was relieved to find that the band was doing a Halloween theme. First heard Cory during his Snarky Puppy days. Loved him. Saw him perform with his Funk Apostles a few years later at a Namm sponsored concert. I must be getting long in the tooth - I didn’t dig it as much as I anticipated. I watched the entire concert of the Halloween performance. Same feeling as when I saw him at Namm. Something must be wrong with me?

BTW - the guy playing the Squire Strat is Isaiah Sharkey - a bad man.

AKA

**nevershouldhavesoldit** · 02-15-2022, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by AKA

I must be getting long in the tooth - I didn’t dig it as much as I anticipated

He does a wide variety of tunes, some of which I don't like at all. When I first discovered him, I downloaded several full length concerts - and I still find myself skipping over several tunes in each one. But he and his crew really nail it on the right tunes.

**Marinero** · 02-17-2022, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by nevershouldhavesoldit

He does a wide variety of tunes, some of which I don't like at all. When I first discovered him, I downloaded several full length concerts - and I still find myself skipping over several tunes in each one. But he and his crew really nail it on the right tunes.

Hi, N,
Shows are a tough thing to do well to keep the audience entertained. I remember in my elementary/high school groups, we used a lot of "fillers" and played songs well beyond their natural time. In those days, 2 sets of 10-15 songs without repeating was difficult. Later, with touring bands, developing the "right" material was always a challenge but when you're a cover band playing Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Chicago, Average White Band, Tower Of Power, James Brown, Ohio Players, Sly, and when you really had horns that could play--Chase . . . there's a lot of material there. I agree with your comment since I have listened to more of their music. So, how about some memories??
Marinero

**nevershouldhavesoldit** · 02-17-2022, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by Marinero

Shows are a tough thing to do well to keep the audience entertained

For sure - and a 2 to 3 hour show is pushing the limits for all but the most diehard (and/or mind altered) fans. But my problem with the Corey Henry concerts is his mix of genres, not his choice of tunes. I've often fallen for a band after hearing one or two tunes, only to discover after buying an album that the songs I liked were not typical of their playlists. Goose is another example of this. Jump to 4:42 in this one and you'll hear about 3 minutes that comes close to (but isn't nearly as funky as) what I first heard from them. Their recent stuff is getting further and further from funky - they even migrate back toward stadium rock at about 7:45 in this one -

and then I discovered that most of what they play is this, which is fine music and excellent playing but rather bland -

Originally Posted by Marinero

So, how about some memories??

How about Evan Solot? He was one of the trumpeters in the Music Associates stable here in Philly when I was one of their guitarists (along with Al Slutsky, another unsung hero whose lifelong dream was to make Standing in the Shadows of Motown, which he finally did) in the late '60s & early '70s. Fortunately for Evan, his talent was enough to get him out of wedding bands and into a life of excellence as a musician, composer, arranger, and educator. Here's a fascinating funk piece played during a tribute to Evan at UA some years ago. It's great music, great musicianship, and not exactly my cup of tea - I just don't like this use of violin, despite her fantastic playing:

To bring back the funk, let's close with a truly cool and funky (although hornless) NPR Tiny Desk Concert by Corey Henry:

Stay safe!
David

**Marinero** · 02-17-2022, 02:51 PM

Hi, N,
1, 2, 3--not Funk in my world--agree
4- not Funk . . . modern R@B/Soul . . . definitely not Old School

O.K. let's get back to the Funk! Here's Cool and the Gang! I think we're on the same page.
Marinero