Aloha Friday Motivation | St Maceo Day | #269

for RobbsterMobbster, for introducing me to the funk!

Happy Aloha Friday,

It's St Valentine's Day, so check out that link if you want to dive deep into what that's all about...LOLZ. But, for me, back from an extended hiatus, I just want to ease into things, get my head IN the clouds so to speak, and there is no easier way to do that than by listening to some Maceo Parker! It is his birthday today after all.

Maceo Parker, the legendary funk saxophonist born in 1943 in Kinston, North Carolina, stands as one of the most influential figures in funk music history. His revolutionary work with James Brown during the 1960s helped define the genre itself, with his distinctive saxophone style featuring prominently on groundbreaking hits like "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" and "Cold Sweat." His signature phrase "Make it funky!" became a rallying cry for the entire funk movement, while his precise, punctuated playing style earned him the nickname "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business" after James Brown himself.

Beyond his iconic work with Brown, Parker's musical journey includes remarkable achievements with Parliament-Funkadelic in the 1970s and collaborations with artists ranging from Prince to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. His solo career has produced acclaimed albums like "Life on Planet Groove" (1992) and "Roots Revisited" (1990), which demonstrated his ability to lead and innovate while staying true to his funk roots. In 2012, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Foundation of America, and in 2016, he was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

As a vocalist, Parker brings the same distinctive style to his singing as he does to his saxophone playing. His smooth, playful delivery often features witty, feel-good lyrics celebrating life and positive energy. His unique ability to switch seamlessly between soulful singing and trademark saxophone riffs creates a natural dialogue between voice and instrument, particularly evident in his dynamic live performances where he often scats and improvises between saxophone solos.

Parker's influence extends far beyond his own recordings, with his distinctive playing style being sampled countless times in hip-hop and influencing generations of musicians across multiple genres. Living by his mantra "2% jazz, 98% funky stuff," he continues to inspire new generations of musicians and maintains his status as one of funk music's most respected figures. His contributions to music have earned him numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Pioneer Award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, cementing his legacy as one of funk's true innovators.

I implore you to click this LINK immediately and listen to Funkoverload from cover to cover to celebrate Maceo's birthday! If you aren't smiling ear to ear by the end of the first track, you have no pulse! It's guaranteed to put you in the spirit of the day!