I'll say it again...awesome. I went to see MP at the Colston Hall in Bristol,England last night and it was fantastic. I've not been to a gig since Prince in 95 or 96 (can't remember exactly when it was) but when I saw the sax legend was coming to my hometown I knew I had to go. Plus, what better way to spend your birthday? Yep, 37 years young yesterday.

I really didn't know what to expect and what sort of crowd would be there. Would it be elderly jazz fans, Prince wannabes or something else in between? In any case, I went with an open mind and a desire to see a legend in the flesh.

The place was about 3/4 full and it was a mix of folks...young,old,hip,not so hip but all planning on having a good time.

The lights went down and the band sauntered casually on stage. Seven people, trumpet,male singer(Corey Parker,any relation do you think,maybe his son?),female singer (think she sang with James Brown), drummer,bass,guitar and keyboards. They began warming up and started singing a song/jam presumably called "Fiesta,Fiesta". The band manager came on stage to announce who we'd all come to see and the crowd roared....Maceo came swaggering on stage, sharp suit,shades and you just knew we were going to have a good time. The first few numbers he was getting in to the groove and just warming up. The crowd clapped politely and feet were tapping. Then a few things happened....

The band really got into their stride and started getting seriously funky. Maybe
it's just typical British reserve but nobody was up and dancing but all it takes
is one and then everyone joins in. A couple sat near the front got up to shake their thing and gradually so did eveyone else...including ME! This really pleased the band and you could tell that they were hitting their stride now.

What of Maceo himself? Gifted, springs to mind. The funk just falls out of the guy when he has that golden instrument in his hands. I can see why Prince had him in his band. I was sat about 20 feet from him and when he hit his groove there was a look in his eyes that told you he was lost in the music and nothing was going to stop him! To paraphrase someone we all know "If you didn't come to party, don't bother knocking on HIS door"!

He was happy to share the limelight with everyone else in the band and everyone had a chance in the spotlight. Corey Parker led the the singing/rapping in an awesome funk jam that had us all dancing in the aisles much to the concern of the security staff. The female singer then got the boys singing and then the girls with a scorching version of "It Takes Two". We were all working up a sweat when he announced a guest on stage....another sax guy...Pee Wee someone who played with James Brown. The roof was certainly on fire by this stage.

He slowed it all down for a version of Ray Charles "Georgia On My Mind" which was just sublime.

I had no idea how long they'd been playing for. You don't know time when you're having a party do you. But he announced the final song as...."Pass the Peas" and we had a riot!!! Make the most of it as it was going to be over very shortly.

And we certainly did.

And he was gone leaving us shouting for more.

What else can I say but he is a legend. End of story.If he comes to your town go and educate yourself in the craft of musicianship by seeing him. They are the tightest,funkiest band this side of P and the NPG.

Later guys.

Jase

good review.

I cant wait for Saturday.

Corey parker is Maceo's son

http://www.coreyparker.net/

From biog:

"As early as Corey can remember, funk pioneers (James Brown - Trombonist, Fred Wesley - Corey's uncle & James Brown drummer, Melvin Parker, etc), would visit his father, legendary saxophonist, Maceo Parker, often leaving behind cassette tapes of shows & studio sessions, funk tutorials for Corey and his siblings."
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[Edited 3/19/06 10:17am]