By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 07:09 pm:

I have a number of cd's with no detail on them celebrating 68-75 Funk.

I rate it as remarkable music, truly suited to the Black Idiom (Sis know's what I'm trying to say).

I love meeting African American's in Detroit. They are so COOOOOL.

What is your fav tune of that genre and from that era?

David

By Funkyone D J Dollar BILL (216.221.81.96) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 07:35 pm:

Fatback Band-Wicki Wacki
The Counts-Thinking Single/Motor City
Mandril-Can You Get It(Suzie Cesaer)
100% Pure Poison-Windy City
Cymande-Brothers On The Slide

List order may change and thousands more may come in.It is through Funk that I found Soul.I am working backwards while moving forward.

By Soul Sister (68.73.167.246) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 07:48 pm:

Fat Larry's Band, the little round drummer as he was known could cook!

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 07:51 pm:

LOL @ DMEIKLE - I'm cool, I'm cool, yea man, I'm cool. LOL

From 1968 - 1975, I'm gonna think about that, and come back atcha.

By Rich (162.33.247.125) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 08:06 pm:

Of the better known things, I can only narrow it down to 10:

You & Your Folks - Funkadelic
Jungle Boogie - Kool & the Gang
The Payback - James Brown
Holy Ghost - Bar-Kays
Thank-You - Sly & the Family Stone
I Feel Sanctified - Commodores
Slide - Slave
One Nation Under a Groove - Funkadelic
Flashlight - Parliament
Shakey Ground - Temptations

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 08:10 pm:

Sis

Another BeeCool book coming your way this week.

Stay cool
David

By Rich (162.33.247.125) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 08:17 pm:

Bakers Dozen of some lesser-known things

Phoney People - Lou Pride
The Bump - Everyday People
Mighty Mighty - Baby Huey & the Baby Sitters
Super People - Notations
No - Sir Joe Quarterman & Free Soul
Nixon's Ego Trip - Madhouse
Booty March - Rasputin Stash
Bar-B-Que Ribs - Raynal Wynglas
Hold Tight - Tinmothy McNutt
Ride on Bones - The Funny Bones
I Can't Stand it - Brenda George
Impeach the President - Honey Dripers
Music Makes You Move - Funk House Express

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 08:24 pm:

Cool Rich. I know this is your subject so keep it coming. Especially info on unusual/rare CD compilations.

Just listening to a Track by Dee Felice Trio. It's their version of the fabulous "There was a time".

I've still got this on 45. Amazing to hear it on cd.

David

By Rich (162.33.247.125) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 08:29 pm:

Ahhh, you've playin' volumer 3, so you're up to If you don't give me what I want - great stuff. I love Byrd's Doin' the Do. There's something to musical repetitiveness.

By Rich (162.33.247.125) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 08:41 pm:

Another dozen of lesser known favorites:

Hey Joyce - Lou Courtney
Got to Get Me a Job - Ann Alford
Its a New Day - Skull Snaps
JP Walk - Sound Experience
Booty Bumpin - Oliver Sain
Hey Lucinda - Jones Girls
I've Been Watching You - Southside Movement
Junkie Hustle - Earth Delight
I'm Bugging Your Phone - Smith Connection
Prelude to Say Brother - Stark Reality
(You've Gotta) Keep on Bumpin - The Kay-Gees
Back to Funk - Robert Lowe

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 08:42 pm:

Rich

You may have struck a chord with another thread about Cellarful.

Some folks are finding the Cellarful CD repetitive.

"There's something to musical repitiveness". IMO Funk is full of that but I have always loved it.

But don't all music factions have that problem eg Country Music? and God forbid it....what we love.

Makes sense to me.

By stephanie (64.63.221.99) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 10:23 pm:

Spirit of the Boogie - Kool and the Gang
Funky Worm- Funkadelic
Too Funky in Here - James Brown (he is the KING of FUNK and RAP) I would have to say that George Clinton is the Vice President though. I didnt realize how popular the funk is in Japan!!!


One of the funkiest records I can think of it and it can fit ANY year is Atomic Dog by George Clinton I cant think of any record that comes close to it that came out in the 80s this man is a master but he is a student of James Browns..if you put this record on in any club people get up its addictive..
Stephanie

By Rich (162.33.247.125) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 10:45 pm:

Comin' up, I heard that all the time about James Brown. They'd say about his latest "its just like his last song" or imply the music was too simplistic. I'd simply respond "Exactly!!!" Just another installment, a variation on a theme you already love, nuttin' wrong wit dat.

When the music is repetitive (while remaining musical) its hypnotic.When its done in a very tribal way like early-Funkadelic, it heads to a whole nother place, not spiritual so to speak, but it can take on a transcendent quality.

Personally, the funk doesn't need to tell a story-like tale, its more impressionistic. A clever turn of phrase, a hook, a chant. Somehow the repetitive nature of the music is complimented by repeated vocals. I'm sure you know that cut on the Shearing 100% Casino compilation, I forget the title but its got a clever little line about a female who's wanted in several counties for heart-breaking. All the story the funk needs.

At its most simplistic - call 'n' response. Like James Brown.

"What's Dat?, Body Heat"
"What's Dat?, Body Heat"
"What's Dat?, Body Heat"
"What's Dat?, Body Heat"

Again, simplistic is not an insult. Whenever a groove is broken down to its essence, you'll find the funk. While something thats over-produced and too clean will lose the funk.

IMHO there's a tremedous difference between a track being musically repetitive & being monotonous. This is where a separation occurs with regard to funk fans & disco (pop) fans. Funk is not only nastier (lyrically, musically, production qualities) its more musical in a sense because it relies on subtle changes rather than stringing a couple of meoldies together. Folk seem to either love it or hate it.

Clear as mud. "More Funky Stuff by Kool & the Gang explains it far better than what I've written here.

By Funkyone D J Dollar BILL (216.221.81.96) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 02:37 am:

Rich, beautiful lists!You are on the money!Music Makes You Move - Funk House Express...BRILLIANT!!!Everything you listed is stank FUNKY!

By John Lester (213.123.134.112) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 02:50 am:

I'm Gonna Hijack ya, Kidnap Ya (Take What I Want) - Holland Dozier

Who Is He and What Is He To You - Creative Source

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 03:29 am:

...I think Tower of Power did some pretty good funk, as well as Sly Stone, Bootsy's Rubber Band, AWB, Graham Central Station, Kool and the Gang, James Brown, Rufus...the list goes on...

By Allen (24.24.196.115) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 08:02 am:

One of the funkiest and most underrated bands of the 70�s is The Ohio Players. They combined jazz, funk, rock and r&b to make some great music. One thing that I'm reminded of every time I hear one of their songs is the incredible fidelity of their albums. They are sonically a joy to listen to.

When mentioned, people mostly think of songs like "Skin Tight" and "Fire". Next time you get a chance, listen to "Fopp". That record is pure fun.

It has that funky beat with rock and roll guitar over it. And the inimitable Sugar Foot proclaiming how he:

"Fopped last night and the night before.
Fopped so hard, made the people roar.
Fopped outside then I went indoors.
They stood back and gave me all the floor."

That's Funky!

Allen

By RD (63.188.32.132) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 08:31 am:

The Ohio Players had three or four Billboard Pop
#1 singles and as many gold albums so they're hardly underrated. Before their hits on Mercury they recorded several cult favorite albums on Westbound Records. However, they've always played second fiddle to Parliarment/Funkadellic and Earth, Wind and Fire because they didn't have as lavish a live show as those two groups. No spaceships or levitation feats. But when you think about it they didn't play second fiddle to any of the other '70s funk groups.

As for real underrated Funk I have to go with the Fatback Band who recorded a lot of albums but never had a crossover or a major soul hit. "I Like the Girls" and a couple of others were their biggest. FBB also recorded the first rap track, "King Tim." Underrated, because though from New York I've talked to people there who never heard of 'em. Their good funk recordings always had a phat heavy bottom. What hurt them is that on some albums they would include a track or two sung by male singer in the group that can only be classified as easy listening. Big change from heavy duty funk to pop/mor.

By Eli (151.197.181.206) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 09:33 am:

Maybe the Ohio Players didnt use pyrotechnics and magic tricks and spaceships is because they did not NEED to, as their music spoke for itself.

By Allen (24.24.196.115) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 09:33 am:

I'll try not to get my feathers ruffled at RD's assessment and diss of my opinion. I guess I should clarify what I mean by underrated.

The Ohio Players were mainly played on stations that only played black music. At least in Detroit. Billboard magazine's list' are compiled from sales figures.

Although the Players had the sales numbers, they didn't receive the recognition or pop airplay that some other R&B acts got.

Also, I meant that not much mention has been made or recognition given for how their records have stood up sonically. Now, let me climb back into my bunker.

Allen

By Eli (151.197.181.206) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 09:40 am:

Hi Allen,
Stay out of that bunker bro and stand tall!!

By Allen (24.24.196.115) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 09:42 am:

Hello Mister Eli,

Hope all is well with you sir.

: )

By RD (63.188.32.132) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 10:05 am:

Allen, you're way too sensitive, there was no attempt to diss you. Just stating facts. Being from Cleveland I've been following the Ohio Players since they were the Ohio Untouchables. In their heyday they spent much of their time performing in foreign countries and not enough in the States for some people. But no way were they underrated, next to EWF and Parliarment they were the premiere funk band in America. Most artists wouldn die for one number one pop hit on Billboard, the Ohio Players had three and gold albums as well. You don't get to be number one pop on Billboard by mainly being played on black stations, the OP were played on pop and rock formats extensively, their number one hits anyway. In short, the OP got more play on pop/rock radio than 95 percent of the funk bands that released singles. These are facts.

Eli, EWF and Parliarment didn't need the fancy stuff either; they don't use it now and are just as exciting live. They also didn't use the fancy stuff before becoming large and had quite a following then too.

By Allen (24.24.196.115) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 10:32 am:

RD, I'm an artist. I'm sposta be sensitive. Besides, it's still my opinion that your comments appear as an attempt to invalidate my opinion.

Just because you see it differently doesn't make it wrong. This is my observation and I get to form my own conclusions.

your words... "As for real underrated Funk I have to go with the Fatback Band who recorded a lot of albums but never had a crossover or a major soul hit..."

That sounds more like under achievement than underrated.

What I said was real to me. And I stick by it.

Allen

By RD (63.188.32.132) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 10:45 am:

Allen, there are at least 25 funk bands from that era that I would say were underrated before I would mention the Ohio Players. The Ohio Players were one of the most successful funk bands ever--period. Only P-Funk, EWF, and Sly & the Family Stone exceeds them in popularity. I don't deal in sensitivity issues just the facts. Don't diminish the accomplishment of having three number one pop hits, Smokey & the Miracles, for example, never had any. Their Mercury hits were played extensively on pop/rock radio that's why three of them became number one. Their tracks are highly sought after on CDs including some excellent compilations on Mercury. To say they only got played on black radio is just flat out untrue. What facts are you bringing to the discussion? What proof do you have that they only got played on black radio? Because you say something with nothing to back it up doesn't make it right.

By Eli (151.197.181.206) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 10:49 am:

I'm witcha Allen!!

RD..I did not imply that EWF and P Funk needed props. That is not the case. I just said that OP did not.

All those acts are great and individualistic in their stylistic approach and are all musical innovators of the first order.

By RD (63.188.32.132) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 10:59 am:

What are you with Allen on, Eli, that the Ohio Players only got played on black radio? Three number one pop hits proved that point to be incorrect. Don't let personal prejudices against some posters get in the way of clear reasoning it invalidates anything else you might speak on.

By Allen (24.24.196.115) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 10:59 am:

The facts I bring is that it is my opinion they were underrated. Are you one of these people who have to be right regardless? Don't you know that people can have different opinions and still be right? I'm not interested in backing it up. It's just the way I feel.

Obviously, I'm not using the same standard as you. Facts are one thing, opinions are another. It is a fact that my opinion is The Ohio Players were underrated. You don't need facts to back up an opinion. Just the reason you feel the way you do. I'm done

By RD (63.188.32.132) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 11:06 am:

OK Allen I kinda get you now. In your mind based on what you think about the band and their mix of jazz, soul, funk and R&B they should have been even greater than what they were. I agree. They were great innovators had many copy cats, i.e. the Barkays. Despite the three number ones they should be on an even loftier level, which I also agree. They might have if the weight of taxes and substance abuse hadn't deteriorated their creativity.

By Soul Sister (68.73.167.246) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 11:42 am:

Okay Folks lets go back a little bit further, besides James Brown & The Barkays, how about that Wicked Pickett ?

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.153) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 10:21 am:

Stephanie: "Funky Worm" was an Ohio Players hit from their Westbound/Junie Morrison years, although it was "out there" enough to be a P-Funk track.

Some of the latter-day Sly Tracks like "Loose Booty" (not to be confused with the P-Funk track of the same name) and "Crossword Puzzle" are a bit underrated.

Don't forget New Orleans funk from the likes of The Meters. Rhythm sections don't get much tighter than Porter/Modeliste.

Regards,
Ken

By motownboy (64.170.50.18) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 10:44 am:

What about Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings? Has anyone else heard of them???? There is a link below...

They are actually a singer and band from the NYC area that recorded an album in 2002(!) that sounds like it came out of Muscle Shoals or a James Brown session from the 1960s......The whole album is very funky, even down to production, which sounds 1960s primitive....The album consists of original material, except for a TOTALLY FUNKY reworking of Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately" and Sharon Jones has chops that easily put her in with the likes of Carla Thomas, Marva Whitney, Lyn Collins.....

See this link here to their official website. Click on the song titles for soundbites:

http://www.daptonerecords.com/pages/dap001LP-CD.html

Try the songs "Got A Thing On My Mind", "What Have You Done For Me Lately", "Got To Be The Way It Is", "Make It Good to Me."

By Eli (151.197.31.117) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 10:57 am:

Speaking of funk, I had mentioed on another thread that last night I was in the company of my old friend Fred Wesley of James Brown and P Funk fame in an awards ceremony.
By the way, he is married to Gwen who is an original member of Philly's Honey and the Bees for over thirty years!!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 01:42 pm:

David:
Here's my list -
Funkadelic - "Mommy, What's A Funkadelic" (first LP, cut at Terra Shirma!)
Parliament - "Up For The Down Stroke"
Ohio Players - "Pleasure", "Pain", "Skin Tight"
Earth Wind & Fire - "Mighty Mighty", "Evil"
Kool & the Gang - "Funky Stuff", "Jungle Jazz"
Mandrill - "Hang Loose", "Fencewalk"
Midnight Movers Unltd - "Follow The Wind"
Sly & the Family Stone - every record from '68 to '73!
Graham Central Station - "The Jam"
Curtis Mayfield - "Freddie's Dead"
James Brown - anything!
Lyn Collins - "Think"
The JB's - "You Can Have Watergate (Give Me The Bucks & I'll Be Straight)"

That should do!
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 01:52 pm:

Whoops! Forgot a few!
"Sissy Strut" & "Sophisticated Sissy" - Meters
"Cold Bear" - Willie Tee & the Gaturs
"Engine Engine #9" - Wilson Pickett featuring members from MFSB!
"Getting The Corners" - the TSU Toronados
"The Nitty Gritty" - Gladys Knight & the Pips (Norman Whitfield at his funkiest!)
"Impeach The President" - Roy C & the Honeydrippers

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Funkyone D J Dollar BILL (216.221.81.96) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 02:26 pm:

Stop!No more!Y'all are gonna have me hooked on my vinyl again after being relativly clean and sober for a while.Just when I was starting to gain weight again from eating instead of buying records!Oh well"Givin' Up Food For Funk" will be on my headstone and your heads!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 02:38 pm:

Funkyone:
But think of this...you'll be richer musically and be able to wear the same jumpsuits EW&F and the Ohio Players wore in 1975!
Funk on, my brotha...Funk on...
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Eli (151.197.31.117) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 02:45 pm:

Let me go pull out MY jumpsuit(I had several)
my rayon fly away collar shirt, my polyester "Sunday-go-to-meetin' suit"(still favored my some to this day!!)my hat wit'da feather, my platform shoes and get into my '73 Caddy wit'da Diamond in da back, sunroof top and cut on my 8 track blastin Mandrill and War.

By Funkyone D J Dollar BILL (216.221.81.96) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 02:47 pm:

I swore I'd never wear bellbottoms again!Didn't dig them as a kid the first time around!I am a stick in the mud when it comes to cover bands that feel the need to lampoon the clothing and hairstyles of the 70's .It's all about the music!If you suck I don't care how many fro wigs you have for the band or how many goldfish you have in your platform shoes!

In regards to being richer musically,I guess I'll have to see if my Landlord will accept some 45's as rent!But the Funk keeps getting stronger!No Space Cadets on your list Kev? ;)

By Funkyone D J Dollar BILL (216.221.81.96) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 02:51 pm:

Mr.Eli,Mandrill Is...;),was and will always be some great summertime Funk.However you need a full convertable to enjoy it properly.No one can see the smile on your face,diggin on the scene though a sunroof top!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 02:54 pm:

Hey Eli!
Can I bring my Ohio Players and Kool & the Gang 8-tracks and wear my three-piece "marryin' and buryin'" suit wit' the purple fly-away shirt, grape-colored patent leather platforms with the matching fedora and (to top it off) my black leather double-breasted trenchcoat with the wide collar! I'll even borrow my cousin's custom van (Chevy, of course) with the plush carpeting and the reclining seats!
hooooweeee!
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 02:55 pm:

Funkyone:
Space Cadets added, my brotha!
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Funkyone D J Dollar BILL (216.221.81.96) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 02:57 pm:

I can feel the "Soul Vibrations" already.However one must admit polyester is not meant for summer heatwaves!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 04:00 pm:

Funkyone:
That's why my vines are all natural - as in cotton,linen and wool!
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By drums (216.178.85.78) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 08:30 pm:

Oh God,

I remember some of the outfits my Mom forced us to wear in the 70's. I can proudly say that I have never worn lime green and yellow in an ensemble since....


The music was great though (Well, a lot of it anyway!!)

DM

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 08:52 pm:

Hey Daren!
Did you ever try lime green & black? My brothers & I used to dress in black vests & pants with lime green shirts (open collars, of course!).

Cool threads, indeed!

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Eli (152.163.252.68) on Sunday, July 06, 2003 - 08:49 am:

Heard from my friend Fred Wesley yesterday.

I am not sure if I had mentioned it before, but he has a great book out called "Hit Me Fred" recollections of a sideman and it is a must read.

It is chock full of James Brown and P Funk memoirs and the perspective in which it is written is "out of sight and on the one"!!!!

By 1Wicked (24.126.64.120) on Sunday, July 06, 2003 - 02:01 pm:

KevGo: Stop it man....stop it !! (LOL) I almost "marked my laundry" !! "Marryin' and buryin' suit" ??? ROTFLMAO My girl called mine a "Sammy Davis, Jr. suit"....a gray 3pc worn with a maroon fly-away. I had a major auto accident while wearing it & the paramedics were gonna cut it offa me...and in my semi-conscious state asked if they could possibly cut in the stitching..so I could maybe save the suit. (Not realizing it was blood drenched !! (LOL)

Funkyone...u didn't dig the Navy style button fly bellbottoms ?? They were cool...but when "nature calls"...you answer ASAP ! There was no "I can hold it awhile longer" if u wanted to avoid embarrassment !

Eleganza and Flagg Brothers (and the "big" Jet magazines their ads were in)...Right On, Right On, Right On....

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.11.144) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 09:03 pm:

Hey Thanx David for your comment on COOOOL Detroit African Americans, I Live in Detroit, and I'd rather B {{{{HOT, hot, HOT}}}}}
I'm a singel female and I don't think being cool will win a Guys heart...(LMAO...LOL)...
sorry, I just couldn't resist(?sp.)...LOL!!!

By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 03:47 am:

Thanks for picking that one up Medusa.

It's so true.

By musicchef (68.104.25.189) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 01:40 pm:

I'm still dying of embarrasment when I bust out the photos of my in my "fly" 70's gear. But I did sport a 'fro up until about 4 years ago (see below pic from a movie I was in back in '92 "Albino Brown in Liberace's Shoes - Black culture in the '90's" that also starred Michael Franti and Angelo Moore).

As for da funk, there are sooo many "unsung heroes" out there that could use a break or a reissue project. As Graham Central Station once said... "Ya caught me with my Funk down..."

Da Chef

By musicchef (68.104.25.189) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 01:53 pm:

gah... timed out during a phone call... here's the pic

By Tony Russi (68.18.227.45) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 01:55 pm:

Hey Eli, I have had Fred Wesleys' book since it came out & it is interesting...I remember his first show in Orlando(with JB)I also saw Honey & the Bees with the James Brown Show one time...I think they had the record out on the Josie label at the time "Help Me(Get Over My Use to Be Lover).I will always be a FUNKATEER!!

By WaltBaby (152.163.252.68) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 03:31 pm:

Speaking of little known funk records...Does anyone remember "Oh Mary, Don't Take Me On No Bad Trip" By Fugi????

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 07:53 pm:

Chef, you are definitely looking clean.

By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 08:28 pm:

WaltBaby;
I absolutely remember (and still own)that Fugi 45 plus another song by him , "Revelation". He was backed on those cuts by a band called 'Black Merda" ; they had a couple albums on Chess - I only have the first, though. Fugi still sounds good...

SteveK

By stephanie (64.63.221.227) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 08:41 pm:

Oh my goodness Chef you remind me of Bill Cosby in that picture,,,
Stephanie

By musicchef (68.104.25.189) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 10:19 pm:

LOL @ the Cosby reference... That's what I used to get a lot of growing up. I have most of his records... Even "Silver Throat" featuring the hit "Little Ol' Man"

Da Chef

By HW (68.37.216.164) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 10:30 pm:

OK, David, email me and remind me - you GOT to have 'The Funk Box.'

By Jim Vitti (69.14.79.211) on Sunday, July 20, 2003 - 01:52 am:

Eli,

I was happy to read your post about Fred's book. An absolutely must read for anyone interested in the REAL DEAL side of the music biz -- in the studio and on the road, from the musicians point of view!! I didn't know that Fred had written a book until a few months ago. My friend, Paul Shaffer, called me from N.Y. and told me about it. He said " hey man - you got some good ink written about you in Fred's new book! So I ran out and got a copy. Like you said, Eli - a fantastic read and absolutely on the 1 !!! If your interested in the truth - - this book will definitely enlighten you!
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Best regards, Jim

(p.s.) I called Fred and thanked him for his kind words -- it was an honor working with him all those years.