Mo' Roots (1991)

Maceo Parker

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Track Listing:

Hallelujah, I Love Her So {Ray Charles}  3:57
Chicken {Alfred J "Pee Wee" Ellis}  8:17
Let's Get It On {Marvin Gaye, Edward Townsend}  7:43
Hamp's Boogie Woogie {Lionel Hampton, Gladys Hampton, Curley Hamner}  6:12
Fa Fa Fa (Sad Song) {Otis Redding, Steve Cropper}  4:48
Jack's Back {Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker}  5:41
Sister Sadie {Horace Silver}  5:26
Daddy's Home {Jimmy Sheppard, William Miller}  6:01
Down By The Riverside {Traditional, Arr M Parker}  6:33
Southwick {M Parker}  9:08

Personnel:

Producer: Stephan Meyner and Maceo Parker
Vocals on "Fa Fa Fa": Maceo Parker, Kym Mazelle
Alto Saxophone: Maceo Parker
Alto Saxophone on "Jack's Back": Steve Williamson
Trombone: Fred Wesley 
Tenor Saxophone: Pee Wee Ellis 
Guitars: Rodney Jones 
Organ, Keyboards: Larry Goldings
Bill Stewart: Drums 
Drums on "Fa Fa Fa": Jimmy Madison


Rating: RC: ***

Comments:

RC: This was the follow-up, in terms of both timing and concept, to Maceo's big 1990 hit. The same idea is used, going back to his roots and reworking some of his favorite jazz, funk and R&B hits, in his own unique style. The results are very entertaining but lack the punch the original album had. The album is much more laid back and jazzy in tone, making it less appealing for funk fans. Some of the covers fall a little flat. Other than a reworking of "Southwick", there's not too much here that I would recommend for funkateers. But big fans of Maceo should pick it up.

"Hallelujah..." continues the successful covering of Ray Charles, with this one being really lively. "Chicken", "Let's Get It On" and "Hamp's Boogie Woogie" are all mellow, mid-tempo jazz explorations. "Fa Fa Fa" is a disappointing cover of the Otis Redding classic. The vocals seem a little weak and the horn arrangement is unremarkable. Things pick up with "Jack's Back", a bumpin' bit of funk. "Sister Sadie" is another lively song, as is "Daddy's Home". "Down By The Riverside" is a fun take on a traditional, one of the best things on here. "Southwick" features a long organ intro, and a slower, jazzier pace than the original.

This album is in print and should be easy to find. Check the jazz section of your store.