By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 01:44 pm:

I'M STILL QUITE SPEECHLESS (A FIRST FOR STUBASS) OVER LAST NIGHTS PERFORMANCE AND THE EVENING IN GENERAL!!!... A COUPLE OF PHARMACEUTICALS TO GET TO SLEEP...AND I'LL GET BACK WITH SOME THOUGHTS AND HIGHLIGHTS (THE WHOLE GIG WAS ON BIG HIGHLIGHT) LATER TODAY!!!...ONE THING FOR SURE...SIS: YOU ARE RIGHT ON THE MONEY...MAXI WAS PHENOMONIAL...AS WAS EVERYONE...AND THE "FUNKS"...STILL THE MOST HUMBLE AND APPRECIATIVE GROUP OF GUYS YOU COULD EVER WANT TO MEET!!!...THANKS TO *ALL* OUR FRIENDS WHO ATTENDED AND THAT I WAS PRIVILIDGED TO MEET!!!...MORE LATER...STUBASS

By MichaelOH (24.157.156.82) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 01:55 pm:

Man..I'm about ready to become a Funks groupie...too bad the tour is over. In my opinion, I think these guys are going to tour a lot more in the next year or so, now that they have caught the bug of admiration and live performance again....

Wonder if any live recordings will circulate? Or maybe be officially released??

MichaelOH

By Jay (24.55.210.61) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 02:38 pm:

As Stu said...

It was a great night!!!!

After my brother Chris gets back to me I will try to post some pictures.... No cameras allowed but.... you know we just had to!

I knew that this was to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the LA crowd was ready!

I had been concerned about the short notice and lack of advertising for the event but a strong word-of-mouth filled the main floor.

The showstopper was "What Becomes Of A Broken Hearted". Joan Osborne tore the house down. The Philly support was phenominal.
And the Funks were the rock-solid Funks!

Hey I got to meet Ralph and his brother Russ Terrana and Producer Paul Elliot.

And I have got to thank ALLAN �DR. LICKS� SLUTSKY for making it happen!!

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 02:46 pm:

I think I may have recruited new forum members, the row behind us wanted to know how we all knew each other and wanted to know the web-site we met on..

Vickie

By John Lester (81.132.11.104) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 02:52 pm:

My my my...

Ralph and Russ...the terrible twins..err, I mean the Terrana twins. That must have been an occasion in itself!!

Only joking lads!!

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 02:59 pm:

I had met Ralph over the phone and talked with him last summer, I was thrilled to meet Russ, the man that put the beep beeps in Reflections..

Vickie

By John Lester (81.132.11.104) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 03:37 pm:

He He He

By BankHouseDave (195.93.50.9) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 03:40 pm:

This is all well and good, Vickie and fellow Funkophiles. No gigs this side of the pond - not even the movie yet. Some of us could only retire early with a cup of tea.

Give us detail.

Luv.

By Larry (216.23.183.2) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 04:21 pm:

...put the beep beeps in "Reflections". Funny.

Helluva night in LA. Here's my impromptu report: Bootsy wasn't there, but, everyone did such a great job. The tidbit about Eddie Willis changing the color on his brand new Cadillac Silver Brougham. Jack Ashford told the story to 1500 respectful funksters.

It was in the day when the Funks were making some money. Eddie got tired of the color. Bought some paint. While Jack is telling the story, he asks LIVE "he Eddie, what color did you buy?" Eddie: "Maroon". Jack continues to tell how Eddie took the paint and a roller and went to work on his new Caddy. Jack asks Joe Hunter, "how did it look"? Joe: "Ugly".
Lot's of setups and one liners throughout the evening added a nice human quality to the show. By the way, who will ever forget the stage setup? Guitarists in a row stage left, Babbitt in the middle, Ashford up front with his Vibes and tambourine, Joe stage right. *That* image is burned permanently, along with the old photo's on stage of the Funks no longer with us.

So... There were wacky moments like Eddie's story. Joe Messina's and Joe Hunter's 'dance moves'. Joe M has a waltz-like approach, while Joe H is more the....how do you say the George Jefferson 'take'. I hear you say it: Whitey can't dance!!!"

An American Idol contestant sang a tune. Jack explained that yesterday afternoon, there was a competition at Virgin Megastore in Hollywood for the release of the DVD. This gal won. She could sing and well... dance as good as she wanted. She was put together quite nicely and had energy for days.

Allan Slutsky played gtr all night along with Eddie and Joe. Allan lead the band and had his finger to the pulse of the band, the onstage emotion and the crowd. He looked like a puppetmaster at times. Great job. He and Jack seemed to share the Emcee role and they were both great. Everyone did a great job. Babbitt nailed the bridge of It's A Shame. Any bass player worth his salt knows that aint easy.

A marvelous Teddy Morrow got up and sang some.
I didn't know who he was, I thought he was just someone from the crowd. He got a nice cheer from the crowd who appreciated his obvious talent. Btw, Ralph Terrana said he'll be back on line in a few days. It was great meeting him and Russ "beep beep".

I met Vickie. Cutey! Met Marvin Marshall, what a gentleman, said he's still working with Tempts. Didn't meet Stubass!? Next time man. Didn't see Bob Lee of www.bassland.net. Maybe he had a gig last night? I though I saw Mickey Stevenson. Joan Osbornes sister got up when a "Supreme" was needed. She could sing.

The whole atmosphere was Fun, Loose and a Lovely Sweet Hurrah for The Funk Brothers.

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 04:35 pm:

great reveiw Larry,
it was a special night....I really loved Jack's stories..
Again, it was nice meeting all of you there..

Vickie

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 04:44 pm:

LARRY: SORRY I MISSED YOU!!!...WE PROBABLY CROSSED PATHS...BUT I MUST HAVE GREETED ABOUT *EVERYONE* IN THE HOUSE (EXCEPT YOU)...WE'LL MAKE UP FOR IT!!!...STU

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 06:49 pm:

StuBass - Was Darlene Love there? Tell me about Maxi, and the band during his songs.

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 06:53 pm:

Darlene was there, and Maxi was awesome..I now remember why I loved him so much before...
a lot of style that guy has..

Vickie

By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 07:16 pm:

HEY SIS: YES...DARLENE LOVE WAS THERE...AND PUT ON A VERY "CLASSY" PERFORMANCE!!!...IT'S FUNNY...MY BUDDY...JOEY...WAS JUST CHAPERONING A GROUP OF KIDS TO WASHINGTON D.C...AND ONE OF THE KIDS WAS DARLENE'S BROTHER-IN-LAWS SON...SO THEY SAW EACH OTHER...ALONG WITH DARLENE'S SISTER AND THAT WAS COOL!!!...MAXI...HOW SOULFUL...AND WHAT MOVES ON STAGE!!!...CAPTURED THE FEELING OF MARVINS MATERIAL...AND WAS TOTALLY INTO HIS PERFORMANCE!!!...STUBASS WAS QUITE IMPRESSED!!!...LENNOX LEWIS *AND* MAXI...BOTH FROM LONDON, ENGLAND...(OUR COALITION PARTNERS FOR SURE)!!!...MORE LATER...STU

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 09:31 pm:

OK ALL: HERES SOME MORE!!!...DINNER BEFORE THE SHOW!!!...TRENDY... HANCOCK PARK ITALIAN EATERY!!!...THE TERRANA'S...THE MILLERS...AND SEVERAL OTHER FRIENDS!!!...FIRST OF ALL...THE YOUNG WAITER...EVEN THE TERRANA'S COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HIS ITALIO-ENGLISH ACCENT!!!...EVERYTHING WE ORDERED...HE TOLD US THAT IT'S NO GOOD...WE SHOULD TRY SOMETHING ELSE...WE WERE LAUGHING SO HARD THAT WE WERE ABOUT TO START CROSSING ITEMS *OFF* THE MENU!!!...I ORDER SOME SORT OF CHICKEN...GUY TELLS ME..."YOU SURE YOU WANT THAT...IT'S A *WHOLE* CHICKEN YOU KNOW"!!!...IT WAS AWFUL!!!...SOME GREAT MOTOWN AND BERRY GORDY STORIES!!!...BY THE WAY...WE FIGURED OUT THAT RUSS TERRANA ENGINEERED AND MIXED A TOTAL OF 89 # 1 RECORDS...WHICH ACCORDING TO OUR FRIEND LINDA BROWN AT NARAS...QUALIFIES HIM FOR SOME SORT OF SPECIAL RECOGNITION FROM THE RECORDING ACADEMY (NOT TO MENTION A POSSIBLE GUINESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS FEAT)!!!...HAD TO EAT AND RUN TO GET TO THE SHOW!!!...MORE LATER!!!...STU

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 09:35 pm:

Well Russ Terrana has a big hug from me.
(((((((((((((((RUSS TERRANA)))))))))))))))

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 10:17 pm:

Stu:
Maybe we can have someone do a documentary on our beloved Terrana Brothers. I can hear the announcer saying:

"This is a story of two brothers from Detroit - one who worked on more #1 hits than the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys and Elvis combined. The other ran a powerful record studio - home of the best rock & soul on the planet. Presenting - RUSS & RALPH! THE AMAZING TERRANA BROTHERS!!!!

"Soundtrack available on StuBass Records & CDs - not available on 8-track tape..."

Let me stop...

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 10:19 pm:

KEVGO: ARE YOU UP TO PRODUCING THIS ONE???...STU

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 11:18 pm:

Stu:
Gotta talk to my agent - LOL - but seriously this would make an interesting story...
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 11:51 pm:

I just checked on Amazon and SITSOM is 192 I hope that is good,,,
Stephanie

By Uptight! (24.55.6.144) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 08:43 am:

((((Hi, Russ, Ralph, Stu, Bruce, Vickie!))))

It was great meeting you all there.

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 09:09 am:

DITTO UPTIGHT!!!...BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THE NAME FITS!!!...YOU LOOK ANYTHING BUT "UPTIGHT"...BUT YOU DEFINITLY LOOKED "ALLRIGHT"!!!...STU

By Uptight (24.55.6.144) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 09:27 am:

Thanks, Stu.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 11:51 am:

In all honesty I don't even know where to begin. The waves of emotions I experienced Wednesday night go beyond anything I have ever experienced in my life. I suppose first and foremost would be seeing the Funk Brothers together on stage simply tearing it up as only they know how. The level of musicianship these guys possess has set the level of the bar extremely high for all that will attempt to follow in their footsteps. These guys simply play their collective asses off.

The show itself was unforgetable. Darlene Love blew me away. Maxie Priest is an up and comer to watch. However, to me, the crowning glory was Joan Osborn singing Broken Hearted. What power and emotion. That girl has simply made that song her own. At the conclusion the roar of the crowd was deafening. I looked at her face as she walked off stage and I could see she was definitely in that " zone " that great musicians are privileged to experience from time to time. There is not much more I can say regarding the concert. It was first class as would be expected from a collective of talent of this magnitude. The house was packed and the crowd was there to boogie and they would not be disappointed. By the way the Wiltern Theatre was a magnificent venue for this show. A theatre right out of the golden age of movie houses. Very beautiful and just right for this type of show.

The Soulful Detroit crowd: We were well represented that night. I met so many faces that up to then were just names on a computer screen. It opened with good old StuBass when we stopped at his car dealership to meet him and pick up the tickets for the show. He was everything I expected from a guy that spends much of his day acquiring Angels. Well dressed and very cool. Definitely looking like a guy that would possess a flock of angels. Anyway Stu, it was great finally meeting you and I know I now have a new friend.

Then getting together at the restaurant as Stu mentioned. Seeing my brother together again with Stu's talented brother Bruce. What a pair those two are! Two peas in a pod I'm sure. But the experiences they share is the stuff musical dreams are made of.

When we arrived at the theatre it was a madhouse. I wasn't sure what to expect before getting there because of the lack of promotion for the event but I would see that somehow the word got out that the Fabulous Funk Brothers were in town.

Once in the theatre I would first run into Vickie. Blondie. Ms. Tammi Project in the flesh. Guys....she's a knock-out!! All that talent and looks to back it up. I had a great time talking with her. Vickie, you are the greatest. Tammi is in good and loving hands.

Then they all started appearing. It was like a high school reunion. We should have been wearing badges. Larry Rott who is cool as they come. The guy who I would first meet on the SD forum and learn we shared a common family and would send me priceless photos of Al Sherman as a young man.
Uptight, who as Stu pointed out was anything but. Jay was there and we had a chance to talk after the show. If I'm forgetting anyone please forgive me. I was bombarded with emotions that night.

And then during the show when they invited people up on stage to sing with the funks....I look up and there he is. My partner. My friend. My brother. Teddie Morrow. And he blew them away. Jack Ashford would tell me after the show that he was sure Teddie was some sort of " plant " to get the Brother's attention. I guess he did just that. I suppose this is the best thing that has ever happened to this talented guy. Teddie sang with the Funks. Before we went to L.A. I was hinking how great it would be if this could happen. And it did! Stu. I owe you again for this one. By the way. Regarding Teddie: We are getting closer to getting something released on him so get ready for Teddie Morrow.

So that's it gang. I don't know what more I can say. Once again, thank you Stu for getting us down to see this once in a lifetime show. It was an experince I will treasure for the rest of my life.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 12:08 pm:

Ralph:
Thanks for sharing this with us. Now, I can't wait to meet you and the gang in Detroit in May (hopefully, Ms. Vickie will be there, too ).
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 12:22 pm:

HEY RALPH: NEEDLESS TO SAY...THANKS FOR YOUR KIND WORDS...AND IT WAS *OUR* PLEASURE TO SHARE THE EVENING WITH YOU GUYS!!!...ENOUGH ABOUT STUBASS...WHAT ABOUT THAT TEDDY???...WHEN I SAW HIM GET UP ON STAGE AND MOVE TOWARD THE MIKE...IT WAS LIKE A SCENE FROM "A CHORUS LINE"..."GIMMIE DA BALL...GIMMIE DA BALL...GIMMIE DA BALL"...AND HE GOT DA BALL...AND COOKED THROUGH A CHORUS OF "MY GIRL"!!!...HE WAS AWESOME!!!...ONCE AGAIN...THANKS SO MUCH FOR MAKING THE TRIP...IT WAS THE MOST FUN WE'VE HAD IN A LONG, LONG TIME!!!...REGARDS...STU

By 1 all Funked UpWicked (24.126.64.120) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 12:59 pm:

I have seen many legendary performers over the years, including Earth, Wind, and Fire with their Doug Henning illusions...but none can match the magic I witnessed Wednesday night. The Funks were everything I've read about, heard about, imagined, and then some ! Flawless performances from brothers-in-arms that obviously love what they do and who they're doing it with. My brother Barry & I just kept looking at each other because they were so incredible...playing with more energy than performers we've seen who are a fraction of their ages.

All of the vocalists were absolutely "on"....putting their own soulful stamp on the musical canvas The Funks painted. Maxi was great...sounding far better than I remembered from his previous projects, Johnny Ingram was incredible, Darlene Love was awesome (and beautiful...looking to be no more than 25 or 30 years old !), Carla (from The Sweethearts of Sigma) was playful, sassy and soulful, and Joan Osborne just tore the house down !! When she finished "What Becomes of The Brokenhearted", you could hear a collective "Daaaaaayummmm !!" across the room. (BTW...did anybody notice that J. Ingram (and not Maxi) was hitting all of the "highs" on "It's A Shame" ?? LOL)

Despite the stupidity, arrogance, and unprofessionalism of the Wiltern staff, I made it through the line for the autograph session. WOW !! Seeing some of the reunions (Bruce M.& Joe Messina...the Terranas and EVERYBODY, etc.) could almost bring a tear to the eye. Ray Charles could have seen the mutual respect and love. Though I could only spend a minute or two talking to each of The Funks, the experience was just unreal. Despite having Funked up the joint for about 90 minutes or so with only a 15 minute intermission...they were so laid back and friendly...(seemingly) enjoying it all. They (especially Eddie...I wanted to kidnap him & just go hang out !) reminded me of that favorite uncle that rarely visits and never stays long enough when he does.

Stu...thanks for everything !! Ralph, Russ, Bruce, ...it was a pleasure ! Teddie....u got "chops" Bro. !!

BTW ELI...After the show when I met Carla she thought I was in full flirt mode until I mentioned your name and quoted chapter and verse on MFSB and Thom Bell and reminded her that the 2nd most popular 'net argument (after Tempts or Tops and before Ginger or Mary Ann) is Sweeties or Andantes. (LOL)

By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 01:11 pm:

HEY 1WICKED: IT WAS A PRIVILIDGE TO HAVE YOU AND BARRY ALONG FOR THE RIDE!!!...BRUCE JUST HAD TO FIND OUT WHO 1WICKED WAS!!!...CO-SIGN EVERYTHING YOU'VE SAID HERE!!!...BY THE WAY...WHATWEREYOUFINGERINGYOURTRADEWORTH???...TALK SOON...STU

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 02:25 pm:

My color has turned "Green." I'm so happy you all had a great time, and everything turned out well. Allan didn't have to worry about the fans in California. :o)

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 02:39 pm:

SIS: DOES THIS CHANGE OF COMPLEXION MEAN THAT WE HAVE TO START CALLING YOU "ANGEL SHREK-ETTE"???...STU(NEED TO KNOW)BASS

By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 02:49 pm:

GANG: VERY NICE ARTICLE IN TODAYS L.A. TIMES (CALENDER SECTION) ON THE SHOW TITLED "FUNK BROTHERS AND CO. PARTY"... AND WELL WRITTEN BY NATALIE NICHOLS!!!...STATED WHAT WE ALL KNOW...AND DID A FINE JOB SUMMING UP THE SHOW'S HIGHLIGHTS!!!...STU

By Larry (216.23.183.2) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 03:27 pm:

Thanks Stu,

Here's the link w/full text:
http://www.calendarlive.com/music/cl-et-natalie25apr25,0,3702025.story?coll=cl%2Dcalendar

Funk Brothers and Co. party

Joan Osborne, Darlene Love and Maxi Priest join the surviving members of the studio band in concert.

By Natalie Nichols, Special to The Times

Most people think of "the Motown sound" as the Supremes, Marvin Gaye or the Temptations. But the legendary R&B label's signature style also came from the music's ticking guitars, nimble bass lines and irresistible rhythms, played to hit-making perfection by the studio band known as the Funk Brothers. On Wednesday at the Wiltern, the surviving members celebrated their legacy with two lighthearted hours of songs and anecdotes featuring guest vocalists Joan Osborne, Darlene Love and Maxi Priest.
None of those singers was connected to Motown, but Osborne performed in last year's award-winning film "Standing in the Shadows of Motown," which spotlighted these mostly unheralded veteran Detroit musicians who put their sonic stamp on every Motown hit from 1959 to the early '70s.

Keyboardist Joe Hunter, vibraphonist-percussionist Jack Ashford, drummer Uriel Jones, bassist Bob Babbitt and guitarists Joe Messina and Eddie Willis wore bright red suit jackets to stand out amid the 17-piece band. Professional yet relaxed, they injected fresh joy into tunes they could probably do while sleeping, and honored such fallen brethren as electric bass pioneer James Jamerson and drummer Richard "Pistol" Allen.

The featured vocalists traded off with three backup singers on songs identified with such artists as Stevie Wonder, the Marvelettes, Mary Wells and Shorty Long. Among the highlights were Priest's lively rendition of the Spinners' "It's a Shame," Love's version of the relatively obscure Martha & the Vandellas' number "My Baby Loves Me" and Osborne's soul-ripping take on Jimmy Ruffin's ballad "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted."

Yet a song such as "My Girl" is so deeply ingrained in pop culture that five random guys from the audience were able to croon it credibly, if hardly as memorably as the Temptations. That "American Idol" moment underscored just how important the Funk Brothers were to Motown's success.

By Caleb (64.157.68.77) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 07:13 pm:

What's next for the funks?

By Uptight (24.55.6.144) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 08:20 pm:

Nice reviews, guys. I actually sat next to Natalie, the writer of the above L.A. Times story. Also beside me was author Don Waller(sp?), who wrote "The Motown Sound" book in the 1980s. We all had a pleasant chat during the intermission.

Before the show I also said hello to songwriter Janie Bradford and Mabel John who were in attendance. Everyone was so friendly there. It was a blessing to be there to witness the show among friends.

By Uptight! (24.55.6.144) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 08:22 pm:

Correction: Don Waller's book is called "The Motown Story."

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 08:23 pm:

I am so jealous. I just want to say "NO, California cannot have our Funk Brothers." You can have all of the other Motown artist, but we retain the right to the Funk Brothers. LOL

Great reviews!

By Lexuses71 (68.136.16.14) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 09:57 pm:

I am the fellow (in the eelskin boots that were killing me) who was with Wicked at the show. We were sitting next to Teddy, Russ and Ralph Terrana. All wonderful guys, very nice. The show was of the hook. I ditto all comments about Joan Osborne and Maxi.

I had to write a mini-review on it and it's at

http://www.epinions.com/content_97232129668.

(I was so knocked out, I wrote this as a suppliment to the video release reviews to tell folks about the killer LIVE show).

Stubass, it was a real pleasure meeting you. You are a pure lunatic, in a great way! And, most of all, to my blood brother and partner in all things musically, Wicked. I cannot thank you enough for sharing the incredible experience and fantastic souviners. Can't wait to see how the pic you took of me and Miss Darlene Love came out! BTW, everything all of you said above is dead on the money about the show. Also, to my other pal Brother Ron Brewington, LA Director of the Motown Alumni Association (who was also in the house and had an uphill battle with PR for the event in LA). YOU were the one who got the word to me and made it possible for Wicked to attend and bring me as his guest. Thanks so much for an unforgettable evening. I will never forget it.

By Vickie (198.81.26.231) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 10:49 pm:

I have been Reading all of your comments, they are going in my diary, I don't need to write anything you all covered it perfectly..
Again, it was so nice to meet all of you...
Ralph, Russ, Stu, Larry, Chris , (Uptight), Jay, Bruce, and Teddy...I can't wait to see pictures from this,Ralph - get Russ on that

The LA crowd was happy to welcome The Funk Brothers...What a night!!
I can only imagine what it must have been like back in the day...This music is timeless and still magical, touches you like nothing else can..

Vickie

By Lexuses71 (68.136.16.115) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 11:40 pm:

P.S. I could have swore that was Johnny Rivers sitting 5 seats to my left that night. Also saw Freida Payne, looking too tuff. I can only say Whoa! about dat!

Such a memorable night.

By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 11:46 pm:

HEY ALL: MY TURN AGAIN!!!...FIRST OF ALL...A TRUE HIGHLIGHT WAS MEETING ALL OF YOU UNDER SUCH MAGNIFICENT CIRCUMSTANCES!!!...THANKS AGAIN BRUCE..."LITTLE" JAY (YOU BAAD MUTHA)...WORK PARTNER AND GREAT PAL JOEY (WE COULD DO A MUSICAL WITH THAT TITLE)...RALPH...RUSS...TEDDY...FREDDIE W(SEE YOU ON THE GOLF COURSE)...DARRYL...RON...ALL OF OUR OTHER BUDDIES...VICKIE (BLONDIE)...1WICKED AND BARRY...MR. AND MRS. JOE JONES...LINDA AND JOHNNY...THE GLEASONS...JAY AND ALL THE PALMERS...ESPECIALLY DON...UPTIGHT (NOT)...AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO I KNOW I'M TEMPORARILY FORGETTING (JUST GOT A 1-THOUSAND DOLLAR VET BILL SO I'M A BIT WOOZY RIGHT NOW)!!!...I WISH YOU ALL COULD HAVE BEEN AT THIS EVENT...AND I'M SURE THAT THOSE OF YOU WHO WITNESSED THIS UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE AT OTHER VENUES...HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES AS ALL OF US!!!...FINALLY...IT WAS NICE...WHEN BRUCE GOT THROUGH FIRST (I COULD HAVE SWORN I SAW HIM DOWN THERE SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS)...AT THE SAME TIME MY WILTERN CONNECTION CAME THROUGH AND GOT ME DOWN THERE...THEN SHORTLY AFTER...THE FLOODGATES OPENED AND WE WERE ALL ON THE FLOOR WITH THE "FUNKS"...AS WELL AS BEING INVITED BY THE GUYS TO A PRIVATE RECEPTION IN THE LOBBY THAT WAS ALL SET UP...BUT AFTER SIGNING AUTOGRAPH AFTER AUTOGRAPH FOR QUITE A WHILE...I'M SURE THE GUYS JUST WANTED TO GET BACK TO THEIR HOTEL AFTER WINDING UP THIS GRUELING PACED TOUR!!!...ALSO...OUT ON THE FLOOR I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE CORNELIUS GRANT (MUMFORD ALUM)...SPOKE WITH JOHNNY INGRAM...MOVED IN ON MY BROTHERS CONVERSATION WITH FREDA PAYNE (THEY DID A COUPLE OF PROJECTS TOGETHER) AND WAS MOST HAPPY TO MEET THAT BEAUTIFUL LADY (AND WAS ABOUT TO SUGGEST POTENTIAL "ANGEL" STATUS FOR FREDA...BUT DIDN'T KNOW IF MY CHARTER "ANGELS" WOULD HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT)!!!...HEY...I AM LOYAL!!!...THATS ABOUT IT...GREAT NIGHT WITH A BUNCH OF GREAT PEOPLE!!!...STUBASS

By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 11:53 pm:

LEXUSES71: (DOES THAT MEAN YOU HAVE 71 LEXUS'S BARRY???)!!!...GOOD CALL...THAT INDEED WAS THE LEGENDARY JOHNNY RIVERS SITTING TO YOUR LEFT!!!...JOHNNY AND LINDA BROWN FROM THE RECORDING ACADEMY...THE GRAMMY PEOPLE... WERE MY GUESTS...AND I RECIEVED A VERY NICE THANK YOU NOTE FROM LINDA!!!...I BELIEVE THAT SHE IS REALLY IN THE "FUNKS" CORNER WITH THE REST OF US!!!...JOHNNY IS AN UNABASHED "FUNK BROTHERS"...AND BIG...JOAN OSBORNE FAN!!!...STU

By Vickie (198.81.26.231) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 11:54 pm:

I was in Funk heaven..
scanned the crowd but
I missed Freda Payne - DAMM!!

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 01:07 am:

SORRY VICKIE!!!...JIM CAREY!!!...EVERY NOW AND AGAIN...MY BROTHER GETS OFF A GOOD ONE...AND HE DID WEDNESDAY NIGHT!!!...JUST PRIOR TO THE INTERMISSION...THEY DID THE AUDIENCE SING "MY GIRL" NUMBER!!!...NOW WE ALL KNOW THAT TEDDY WON THE BLUE RIBBON ON THAT ONE!!!...BUT ONE OF THE SINGERS (ABOUT SIX IN ALL)...LOOKED LIKE JIM CAREY...AT LEAST BRUCE SOMEWHAT CONVINCED ME THAT IT WAS JIM CAREY!!!...OK...I'VE SEEN PEOPLE ON SCREEN THAT LOOK A BIT DIFFERENT WHEN YOU MEET THEM IN PERSON!!!...SO I'M THINKING THAT JIM CAREY IS A "FUNK BROTHERS" FAN...MAKES SENSE...ON STAGE HAMMING IT UP A BIT!!!...DURING INTERMISSION...I TAKE BRUCE OVER TO MEET LINDA BROWN AND JOHNNY RIVERS...AND WE'RE ALL TALKING...WHEN THIS JIM CAREY "NOW I KNOW" LOOK ALIKE COMES WALKING UP THE ISLE AND LOOKS IN OUR DIRECTION...WHEN BRUCE (I'M GONNA GIVE YOU THIS ONE BRO)...LOOKS BACK AT HIM...DOESN'T MISS A BEAT (HE RARELY DOES)...AND SAYS..."LOVED YOU IN "THE MASK"!!!...THE GUY LOOKS AT US LIKE WE MUST BE NUTS...AND WE PROBABLY WERE!!!...STUBASS

By Eli (151.197.120.253) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 01:33 am:

Wicked..
Thanks for mentioning me and the Philly connection to Carla!

Also.. Did the "Flying Terranas" do their high wire act??? Sounds like a lovely name for a trapeze act!!

By Jay (167.167.44.218) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 01:50 am:

More Bass Players in attendance.

Timothy B. Schmit (Poco, Eagles)
Sat just behind us.

By 1Wicked (24.126.64.120) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 02:39 am:

Eli...her eyes actually lit up and you could tell she was having Sigma flashbacks when I mentioned you. Even if I never read your accounts of that "Golden Era" of music....it was obvious by her reaction that those were wonderful times in the studio (and you were somethin' special in her book) !

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 04:00 pm:

Presenting pics from L.A.
HTTP.//www.redshift.com/~rterrana/funks/funks.HTML

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 04:05 pm:

Let's try this...
I made the web page for the Funk Bros.
http://www.redshift.com/~rterrana/funks/funks.htm

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 04:10 pm:

HMMMMM...Seems to be a problem. Russ will look into it when he returns home.

By Eli (151.197.41.97) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 04:31 pm:

Wicked,

Thanks again for that lovely comment, it really made my day.
Yes the Sweeties were such a joy to work with and as great freinds.

Back in '78-79 when hair braiding and beadwork was at an all time high, I met a young braider in L.A. where my wife used to get her braids done and at a recommendation from Stevie.

When I got back my wife and I were gonna open a salon that specialized in braiding as there were not a lot of them then as there are now.
Anyway, we sent for the braider and an assistant to come east and we temporarally set up shop in my house and the first person to come was none other than Carla Benson followed by Barbara Ingram. Yvette did not like braids.
Also when I was producing Atlantic Starr, Sharon Bryant and Wayne Lewis had theirs done there as well. I tried a braid in my beard for a minute but was talked out of it.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 04:31 pm:

Typing the address seems to work for me.

By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 04:49 pm:

Wow !! Ralph , those are some great pictures . It looks like a 'fine time was had by all'. If I get glasses, I'm gonna ask for the ' Joe Messina " lenses.


Steve K

By Eli (151.197.41.97) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 04:55 pm:

Unbelievable photos Ralph!!!!!
the twins at their finest. Paulie would be proud, indeed!!

Vickie is a fox, eh???

The question is why the heck didnt I take my camera to the Philly show??????

By Common (152.163.188.68) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 05:11 pm:

Awwwww, I'm not having such luck! I keep getting the site doesn't exist. Oh well! Glad to hear fun was had by all! :o)

Peace!

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 06:17 pm:

I cannot get into the link Ralph. I've tried everything I know. Would you email me the link?
Thanks

By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 06:24 pm:

SUGGESTION FROM MY PAL JOEY!!!...CUT AND PASTE THIS LINK http://www.redshift.com/~rterrana/funks/funks.html

By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 06:26 pm:

If that doesn't work, just try typing www.redshift.com/~rterrana/funks and skip the rest. It should take you to a "Parent directory"

steve k

ps Russ T has a nice little website

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 06:31 pm:

I got it. Those are great pictures. The Terrana brothers are really handsome.
Vicki- You are hanging with all those handsome guys.
Stubass - You really cool. :o) You don't have to ask us if Freda can be an Angel. I think you had better ask all the guys whether she can be a Stubass Angel. I think they have already claimed Freda.

Great pictures Ralph!

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 06:58 pm:

Sis, I felt like I was everyone's little sister, they treated me so kind...

I love all my big brothers

By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 07:06 pm:

WE ALL LOVE YOU TOO BLONDIE!!!...SIS: GOT THE GUYS HANDLED!!!...DO YOU SUPPOSE THAT FREDA IS *REALLY* "FRANTIC FREDA(THE DANCE FLOOR DIVA)...AND SHE WAS JUST TO SHY TO EXPOSE TO ME WHO SHE REALLY IS???...THAT WOULD ANSWER A LOT OF QUESTIONS AND EXPLAIN ALL THE LAWYERS AND EVERYTHING!!!...JUST WONDERING!!!...STU

By Sue (152.163.188.68) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 07:18 pm:

Great pix -- I too am a fan of the Messina shades ...

By john dixon (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 07:26 pm:

'little sister' ha! Vickie, you are quite the hottie.

By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 10:21 am:

HEY RALPH AND RUSS: THANKS FOR POSTING THE COOL PHOTOS!!!...THERE'S A BUNCH MORE FLOATING AROUND....BRUCE AND JAY PALMER WERE CLICKING THEIR LITTLE HEARTS OUT AS WELL!!!...STUBASS TRIES TO AVOID THE LENS IN MOST CASES (NEVER KNOW WHEN MY PAROLE OFFICER IS WATCHING)...BUT HAD I THOUGHT ABOUT IT...I SHOULD HAVE IMPOSED ON BABBITT AND FREDDIE W TO POSE FOR ONE WITH ME!!!...WE COULD HAVE TITLED THE PHOTO..."THE GREATEST BASSISTS ON THE PLANET"...WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN THE WISER...AND EVEN THOUGHT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN ONE LESS GREAT IN THE PIC THAN I WOULD LIKE TO THINK...I COULD HAVE REPRESENTED THE OTHER 99.999999 PERCENT ON EARTH WHO FALL INTO THE MERE HUMAN CATAGORY...AS OPPOSED TO THE "SUPERHUMAN" STATUS OF THOSE OTHER TWO GUYS!!!...MAYBE NEXT TIME!!!...STU(PULLIN ON COATTAILS)BASS

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 10:40 am:

Hey Stu,
Don't sell yourself short pal. I think you're in a category all it's own. And once again, thanks for everything. Looking at the pictures reminds me what a total blast we had.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 10:42 am:

John Dixon,
You better believe that our Vickie is 100% Hottie.

By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 10:45 am:

JOAN OSBORNE ANICDOTE!!!...GUYS...YOU'LL LIKE THIS ONE!!!...I SPOKE WITH SITSOM DIRECTOR PAUL JUSTMAN AT THE SHOW...AND HE REMEMBERED OUR CONVERSATION A COUPLE OF MONTHS BACK AT THE "DOLBY" SCREENING THAT JAY P HAD INVITED US TO!!!...AT THE SCREENING...HE WAS TELLING BRUCE AND MYSELF ABOUT THE ORIGINAL "ROOSTERTAIL" PERFORMANCE DURING THE FILMING OF THE MOVIE...WHEN JOAN OSBORNE FINISHED SINGING "BROKENHEARTED" (JUST ABOUT EVERYONE'S FAVORITE MOMENT PERFORMANCE WISE)!!!...ACCORDING TO PAUL...WHEN JOAN FINISHED THE SONG...SHE WALKED OFF STAGE...JUST LIKE RALPH DESCRIBED...IN SOME SORT OF "ZONE"...WALKED RIGHT UP TO PAUL...LOOKED HIM IN THE EYE...AND SAID..."I NEVER KNEW THAT I COULD SING LIKE THAT"...WOW...POWERFUL...THE INSPIRATION THAT SHE MUST FEED OFF OF EVERY TIME SHE SINGS THAT SONG...JUST INCREDIBLE!!!...THOUGHT YOU ALL MIGHT ENJOY THAT STORY TO PUT THAT NUMBER INTO PERSPECTIVE!!!...STU

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 10:50 am:

Stu,
I really feel that " Brokenhearted " should be released as a single to help promote the CD. Very powerful!

By 1wicked (24.126.64.120) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 08:35 pm:

Though my camera was confiscated just before the show...I was able to retrieve it prior to the autograph session and take a few pics (though not my best). You can see them at http://community.webshots.com/user/1wicked

Look under "my pics"

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 08:55 pm:

1WICKED - Nice. You got some great shots. Up close and personal. I really like that hat Eddy is wearing. I didn't see those for sell.

By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 09:08 pm:

NICE WORK MR. WICKED!!!...BARRY PROBABLY WON'T WIPE THAT GRIN OFF HIS FACE FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS!!!...STU

By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 09:42 pm:

NOW COME ON ANGEL!!!...IN YOUR EXCITEMENT YOU MISTOOK URIEL FOR EDDIE!!!...THATS OK THOUGH...YOU'RE STILL AND "ANGEL" IN MY EYES!!!...STUBASS

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 10:46 pm:

His Highness, you are correct, as usual. Thank you for bringing that to my attentions.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 10:46 pm:

YOUR HIGHNESS!!

By Lexuses71 (68.136.16.37) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 11:01 pm:

Stubass.....

ROTFLMBAO! With regard to Wicked's pic of me and Darlene Love....YOU GOT THAT CORRECTAMUNDO!

Also, to Vickie....after seeing Ralph's great shots, I'm now convinced you were sitting to my left! I don't think we got introduced, and if we did, my apology for the Duh. You had the very cool tam on and were cheering Teddy on during 'My Girl'! Since I am new here, I just now put face and name together! Hope I didn't bother you too much with my occassional mumbling about how great the show was, LOL! Everyone was truly knee-deep in the Funk!

By Uptight! (24.55.6.144) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 11:43 pm:

Yeah, Lexuses71. There were a few more of us SD'ers at the show the never got introduced

After meeting the Terranas and Stu, Vickie, I got to shake Bruce's hand at the last minute. We had no time to chat as were on our way to our cars and it was late at night. Later I would learn who else was in attendance.

By 1wicked (24.126.64.120) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 12:24 am:

Vickie is quite a cutie !! I was checking her out quite thoroughly...errr..uhhh..looking for a halo, wings, or other obvious detail so that I would recognize this attractive lady as a "Stubass Angel" (if she happened to be one). I didn't wanna be reduced to "Wickeddust" on the spot...or end up with Accord tracks on my back later, if something I *may* have been inclined to say was err...uhhh..."misunderstood". (LOL)

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 01:11 am:

CIVIC HYBRID WOULD BE MY "WEAPON OF CHOICE"!!!...WOULDN'T WANT TO WASTE A LOT OF GASOLINE CHASING YOU AROUND IN CIRCLES WICKED!!!...DUDE...I WOULD ONLY EXPECT YOU TO SAY WHAT WAS ON YOUR MIND AT ANY TIME AND UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES...SO ""WRAP THE PACK"(CAR TALK)!!!...AS FOR VICKIE AND HER "ANGEL" STATUS...I AM UNAWARE OF ANY "FORMAL" DECLARATION OF INTENT ON HER BEHALF FOR OFFICIAL INDUCTION INTO THIS ELITE FRATERNITY (OR THE "CHICK" KIND)...SORORITY!!!...DON'T WORRY ABOUT YOUR BACK WICKED...I'VE GOT YOU COVERED!!!...STUBASS

By Vickie (198.81.26.231) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 03:38 am:

Awe
Wicked and Lexuses, that was me next to you - I wish I had known..
I hope I didn't annoy you with my OFF KEY singing all night..Teddy kept putting me in tune (HA HA)
I sang backup to all those songs with him...
I had fun bantering with you during the show, I know we talked and laughed a bit..You were so nice, I should have known you were Soulful Detroit Family members..

wish I had known that was you guys...

Vickie

By Bassland (64.169.104.52) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 11:00 am:

I wanted to be at the Funk Bros. show in LA and could not attend. I really appreciate hearing everyones account of the show and thank you Larry for mentioning my absence there. I feel honored to be missed on this Soulful Detroit family gathering.


Bob Lee

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 11:10 am:

I need to point out that it was Russ and not me that was responsible for pictures of the concert. He had his trusty digital camera with him.

By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 11:53 am:

SEE RALPH: I KNEW THAT RUSS WOULD COME IN HANDY FOR *SOMETHING*!!!...STU

By Lexuses71 (68.136.16.61) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 12:24 pm:

Raph-
I did see Russ with a nifty camera. Unfortunately, they jammed up my pal Wicked about his, but seemed selctive on that point. Anyway, thanks to BOTH of you guys for taking and displaying these nice photos. Great shots and again, a rel pleasure meeting you both! Hope you guys got a hoot out of my personal "LT Horn" experience I mentioned.

Vickie-Naw, ya didn't bother me with the singing, how could anyone NOT be singing along to these great classics, LOL? Those chairs could've been a bit wider so we could all do some wigglin! As it was, I felt like a sardine but under the circumstances, that was allright! The music was so infectious, I guess we were ALL "wiggling".

My night was made Sunday when I recieved a very brief but nice email from Dr. Licks (Allan Slutsky) himself, thanking me for my write up on the Wiltern show on www.epinions.com that had been forwarded to him by the LA Dir. of MAA.

I replied to Allan that I had major respect for him and his sincere labor of love for the Funks and this massive undertaking to get the story out there. Because of his efforts, he (and the guys) made a lot of LA fans (and fans across the US) very happy and gave us all a slice of pure, unfiltered Funk Bros. heaven. It was nice of him to take a moment to share his thoughts with me.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 01:17 pm:

Ralph & Company:
Great photos, guys! You folks definitely had a great time up there.

Vickie:
Pleeeeezzzeee tell us you'll be in Detroit for the Soulful Detroit get-together!

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 01:32 pm:

For us Brits - keep posting the photo's - they are great! We can pretend we were there!

By 65memories (198.109.0.131) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 02:04 pm:

Great Photos, Ralph. It's great seeing pictures of so many Soulful Detroiters. Maybe we can franchise those "Messina" specs!
Gary Torgerson ('65 memories)

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 02:09 pm:

Wicked,
Just found time to view your photos. They're great. Thanks for posting the site. It's going to take me a while to get last week out of my mind. What a great time and it was SO wonderful meeting all the Soulful Detroiters. What an incredible group of people.

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 02:16 pm:

Hi Kevin,
No, sadly I don't think I'll make it in May..I have to prep for my Philly trip in July and have a mountain of stuff to do in May & June, however, I do plan to hit NY & NJ when I do Philly and I'd like to meet yourself, Harry W. and Common when I come...Detroit will most likely be later in the year for me, Philly is my priority..

I am a (((Blushing)))) Blondie today after reading some of these posts...

Vickie

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 03:31 pm:

Vickie:
Cool...by the time you hit NY/NJ I'll be returning from my (hopefully shorter than) three-week business trip through Chicago-Detroit-St. Louis.
Harry W., Common & I work in the same area (midtown Manhattan -towards the west) so maybe we could all get together.
Take care!
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Eli (151.197.112.114) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 03:32 pm:

Vickie..
Fill me in on the Philly dates so we can hang and do some historical stuff.
Ill take you to Mount Lawn to visit Tammi's grave and Bessie Smith and Bill Doggett and my late wife Gigi as well.
The gravesite is serene and befitting a soul such as Tammi.
Hey Laquisha, maybe we can do a forty, eh??

By Common (209.2.55.168) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 03:39 pm:

KevGo & Vicki: Sounds like a cool plan to me! Looking forward to it! :o)

Peace!

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 03:47 pm:

Hey Bobby,
Yes a 40 oz and I want a real Philly Cheese Steak Samich!!!!

I will let you know the dates.it's looking like mid-late July...

YIPPY!!!!

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 03:49 pm:

Common & Kevin,
I can't wait....

Vickie

By TonyRussi (68.18.33.86) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 03:59 pm:

Great Pix guys.I know it was a fun time.Scherrie & Freda are BEAUTIFUL!

By 1Wicked (24.126.64.120) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 04:31 pm:

Vickie...don't sweat the blushing. I'm sure you look great in "red" too !! (LOL)

By Blondie (64.236.243.31) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 04:37 pm:

(((((Wicked))))))