Saturday, August 25, 2012

The Funk Brothers

A few weeks ago there was a documentary on the Sundance Channel, Standing in the Shadows of Motown.
I recorded it, and tonight Rick and I watched it.  It is about The Funk Brothers, the group of musicians who played on most  every hit ever recorded on the Motown label in Detroit.  Most of the musicians were incredible jazz players.  As I sat and watched this show tonight, I got chills, cried tears and laughed.

This group, some of the best players on the planet, The Funk Brothers were responsible for the tapestry of songs that shaped most of my young years, songs that to this day take me to another place.  As I watched and listened to these men who created musical history, all I could think about was the amazing  creative
string of hits they had played on, and for all these years, very few knew who made that sound.  They were Motown's essence, the very backbone of a musical sound that is known the world over.

If you love music, if you like me, grew up loving the songs of Motown.......do yourself a favor and watch this show.  You will love the music even more, as you meet the meet the players and understand the love that was poured into all those recordings.  I thought about what made me love those songs so much, they are a part of my life forever, and I know practically every word.  Those songs, even the saddest one (What Becomes of the Broken Hearted) created memories, hope, and a love for music that will  be with me always.

So, for those of you who live in the Detroit area, anytime, any of the Funk Brothers are playing, go see them, show them your love, they are national treasures.  Rick and I are planning a visit, a mission if you will, we want to hear The Funk Brothers.


1 comment:

  1. Sounds like a great program. I grew up with Motown because my brothers loved it so much. They helped me love it too. Thanks for the tip on the program, I'll look for it!

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