Live at P.J.’s

Description

Recorded in late May 1971 at the legendary PJ’s nightclub in West Hollywood, Live at P.J.’s records Kool & the Gang at a time where groove, jazz mastering and fearless experimentation were completely intertwined. Long before their popular period of the early 80s, this era found the band operating as a razor-sharp live unit, drawing deeply from soul-jazz, funk, Latin and soundtrack-style arrangements. Opener ‘N.T. (No Title)’ and its bass strut, sharp horn lines, flute accents and one of the most sampled drum breaks in history. Elsewhere, ‘Ricksonata’ has a subtle Caribbean feel, while the band’s take on Charles Lloyd’s ‘Sombrero Sam’ highlights inspired flute work and Latin inspired rhythm. ‘Ronnie’s Groove’ led by tenor saxophonist Ronnie Bell, is another great highlight, while ‘Lucky for Me’ gives the set a cinematic flair. The extended medley of Isaac Hayes’ ‘Ike’s Mood’ flowing into ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’, becomes a ten-minute epic that’s soulful, jazzy and almost classical. A timeless masterclass in live funk.