A very talented group of musicians that rose to the top of the music world not once but twice, Kool & the Gang continues to be one of the most beloved bands of the last 30 years. Formed by Robert “Kool” Bell, his brother Ronald Bell and bunch of their New Jersey teenage friends in the mid-60s (then called the Jazziacs), the group played traditional jazz in regional venues for several years, slowly morphing their style to incorporate emerging funk sounds of Sly and the Family Stone and James Brown. They were signed by the De-Lite label in the early 70s and gathered a small but loyal national following (particularly for their 1971 release Live at the Sex Machine). The group’s fortunes exploded in 1974 with Wild and Peaceful, an infectiously raw album that spawned three smash hits, “Funky Stuff,” “Hollywood Swinging,” and “Jungle Boogie,” all featuring great instrumentation and lyrics virtually shouted by the group. However, as quickly as they rode to fame, Kool & the Gang faded, their rough sound appearing out of place against the slick, dance-oriented sounds that began to dominate popular radio in the late 70s.
The 1970′s and the 1990′s which I believe are inextricably linked for a number of reasons the primary reason being musically. What you take in will definitely find its way into your creativity and for a lot of artists who were born in the period between the mid-60′s to the early 1970′s Soul, Funk and Jazz were part of their soundtrack. One generation’s ultimate cool out tune becomes another generation’s ultimate Summer Jam. Has really been 20 years since the Summer of ’91? Well if you look at the calendar the answer would be yes but if you listen to this music you will be instantly transported to a different time altogether.
DJ Phaze mellows out on this one and brings you a quiet storm mix, GFM style. Check the playlist, download and feel free to share. And, if you enjoy it, hit Phaze up and let him know!
Tracklist:
The Secret Garden – Quincy Jones, Barry White, James Ingram, El DeBarge, Al B. Sure
Adore – Prince
For Your Love – Stevie Wonder
Love T.K.O – Teddy Pendergrass
The Lady In My Life – Michael Jackson
Summer Breeze – Isley Brothers
Groove With You – The Isley Brothers
Computer Love – Zapp and Roger
This Is For The Lover In You – Shalamar
Wishing On A Star – Rose Royce
Cherish – Kool & The Gang
A House is not a Home – Luther Vandross
Tonight, I Celebrate My Love – Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack
Turn off the lights – Teddy Pendergrass
The Closer I Get To You – Roberta Flack & Pebo Bryson
Reasons – Earth, Wind & Fire
A very talented group of musicians that rose to the top of the music world not once but twice, Kool & the Gang continues to be one of the most beloved bands of the last 30 years. Formed by Robert “Kool” Bell, his brother Ronald Bell and bunch of their New Jersey teenage friends in the mid-60s (then called the Jazziacs), the group played traditional jazz in regional venues for several years, slowly morphing their style to incorporate emerging funk sounds of Sly and the Family Stone and James Brown. They were signed by the De-Lite label in the early 70s and gathered a small but loyal national following (particularly for their 1971 release Live at the Sex Machine). The group’s fortunes exploded in 1974 with Wild and Peaceful, an infectiously raw album that spawned three smash hits, “Funky Stuff,” “Hollywood Swinging,” and “Jungle Boogie,” all featuring great instrumentation and lyrics virtually shouted by the group. However, as quickly as they rode to fame, Kool & the Gang faded, their rough sound appearing out of place against the slick, dance-oriented sounds that began to dominate popular radio in the late 70s.
