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They’ve Come To Make It Funky! — Best Funk Songs of 2016 (and more…)

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Don’t be afraid to show ’em how funky you are! These current Funk bands have come to show us that it’s OK to funk in public.

Read this article because it highlights some of the best Funk musicians active today. Get a Spotify playlist with many of the dopest Funk songs of 2016, and some older favorites. Watch a couple of potent performances from three of the hottest acts on today’s Funk music concert scene…

See Kung Fu featuring Nigel Hall play a cool cover of “Do I Do” by Stevie Wonder at Aura Music Festival…

 

These bands Came To Make It Funky for us…

Listen to & follow this funky Spotify playlist.

 

Electrifying, Exciting New Funk Songs

Get Your Mojo Workin’

We’ll start this Spotify playlist with “Funk In Public” by Mojo Green to get us into the spirit of putting our funkiest selves forward. Mojo Green hails from Reno, NV and this 7 piece horn driven Soul & Funk music machine plays their own version of high energy horn driven dance music at the funkiest festivals on the West Coast.

Funk Bringin’ Us Together

Terrace Martin & Tone Trezure “Push” out the old-school Funk flavor with this tune from his 2016 album, Velvet Portraits, that’s thoroughly modern, and still a heavy groove reminiscent of “Superfly.”

A Soul Music Icon’s Funkiest Song Ever

Next up is Aaron Neville‘s super funky 2016 single, “Be Your Man.” It’s fiery Funk, with 70s car chase style wah-wah guitar by Eric Krasno (who also produced the album from which it comes, Apache). Neville’s supremely soulful vocals tell the story, with urgency in his voice, of being a friend in need. This tune features the hot horns of the Dap Kings too, so you know it’s a scorcher. I’m really excited for this new song, and I think it’s his best ever.

Crushing The Funk

Lettuce made one of the best albums of 2015 with Crush. On tour since then, they’ve released an excellent EP for 2016, Mt. Crushmore. “The Love You Left Behind” with Alecia Chakour on vocals is the stand out track. Armed with a gritty, commanding voice, she tells stories of love, heartbreak and struggle with the timelessness of an old soul reincarnate. Alecia brings together gospel harmonies, country twang and an ardent rock and blues feel to make remarkably honest music.

Givin’ The Funk Up For God

“What You Say” from Dallas Gospel Funk band The Relatives comes from their one of a kind album, Goodbye World, on Ubiquity Records. It’s a unique blend of psychedelic Soul, Gospel & Funk. Wild wah-wah on “What You Say” underpins the band’s drive & this song’s determined lyrics. Ubiquity is one my favorite labels because of the diversity in their offerings, and this record highlights how they take chances on distinctive music with a lot of heart & soul.

Makin’ The World Better (With Funk & Soul)

Lee Fields & The Expressions‘ 2016 single on Kept Records, “Make The World,” follows Lee’s mission to spread good vibes and make the world a better place through music. You hear it loud & clear in his passionate delivery. This song is urgent, ardent, and features The Expressions at their funkiest — powerful horns, dope drumming, scorching guitar, and even a funky flute breakdown.

Rising Star On The Soul Scene

Nigel Hall gives us the superbly soulful, “Don’t Change For Me.” An in-demand sideman, he’s built a mighty foundation of Funk over the years onstage and in the studio with collaborators including the Warren Haynes Band, Jon Cleary, Soulive, Oteil Burbridge and Roosevelt Collier, Ledisi, the Soul Rebels, Lettuce and countless others. Ladies & Gentlemen… Nigel Hall (another Eric Krasno production), his solo debut, was one of 2015’s best albums, and his future looks brighter all the time.

Funk Guitar Superstar

“Waiting On Your Love” is Eric Krasno’s single from his 2016 solo record, Blood From A Stone. It’s a modern, moody Soul song about frustrated love, and highlights his bluesy guitar side. Krasno is one of the best Funk guitarists going these days, working hard, touring with Soulive & Lettuce, as well as producing marvelous music for a variety of artists.

Throwback Soul, Modern Appeal

The Dip is an electrifying seven-piece Soul band from Seattle, Washington. The band tows the line between crooning Soul music and hard-driving Funk. Featuring crunchy lines from the Honeynut Horns, The Dip serves a throwback groove that is sure to get you movin’.

Their 2015 self-titled debut features several vocal tracks that are a throwback to a more soulful time, yet these guys play irresistible music that’s 100% modern & original (never cliche). The Hammond organ sound drives “Don’t Make Me Wait,” a moving, modern Soul song as good as 60s Soul classics. The Dip also gets on the 2017 Best Funk Songs list.

The Tightest Funk Band & Sexiest Singer

Orgone follows Behind The Sun, one of the best albums of 2015, with another single on Colemine Records, “Do What You Came To Do.” Funky diva, Adryon de León, implores us to do our thing, live true, in the moment, and to do what we came to do — in this modern, soulful, distinctive Funk song.

Funk & Soul Saving The World From Mediocrity

Soul Scratch (another tight, modern Soul music group on Colemine Records) is a hard hitting groove machine, built in LA’s San Fernando Valley, on a mission to save the world from mediocrity. Utilizing rock solid rhythm, soaring horn lines, and silky vocals to create a uniquely Southern California sound that has become their hallmark. They are founded on, and rooted in the principle, that through the healing power of music the world may be made into a joyous loving place where all of humanity can come together under the umbrella of Love and togetherness. This feeling shines through on the soulful protest song to complacency, “Pacified.”

Get Up Get Down, Shake That Booty All Around

AJ & The Jiggawatts of G.E.D. Records in Nashville are Soul killers drawing a line in the sand by making Soul music that hits harder, faster and nastier than just about anyone in the game today. In this Spotify playlist to “Party Music”. If you’re looking for the ultimate house party song, this is it. Their 2016 single on Colemine Records is a rough, tough, killer Soul machine not to be missed! The Jiggawatts came to get wild, try to keep up.

Listen to another funky fire starter from Colemine Records — the 2016 45 by AJ & The Jiggawatts — “It Is What It Is / Party Music”…

 

Get Down With Your Bad Self

The Georgia Soul Council released an outstanding album in 2016, “What’s For Breakfast.” It’s mostly instrumental, organ-driven, funky Soul Jazz. “Get Up & Do It” has vocals and I imagine it’s the one that really gets the party started at their live shows. It’s an epic jam with fun lyrics, horny horns, great guitar solo, and plenty of potent Hammond B3.

Groovy, 60s Style Soul With A Modern Edge

Durand Jones & The Indications released one of 2016’s best new Soul music albums on Colemine Records. “Groovy Baby” is my favorite song on this outstanding album because it sounds like a cross between “Superfly” and some down & dirty 60s Stax Soul. He’s got a lot of urgency in his voice on this old school Funk & Soul party song with a certain contemporary coolness.

Reggae-fied Funky Grooves

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, from Rochester, New York, first impressed eclectic music fans in their live shows, combining world beats and Reggae rhythms with jamband aesthetics. The band’s studio recordings showcase their conscious songwriting & skilled musicianship across various genres of roots music.

Listen to “Walk Right, Talk Right” from their excellent 2016 album, Make It Better. It’s a modern, funky tune from a great record that shows how well these guys mix up their influences to create unique, new genre-defying music. This fantastic song features far-out Dub stylings, dope wah-wah work on guitar, and laid-back (yet peppy) horn parts.

Trombone Biggie

Let’s take a mellow interlude with “She’s In Spain” by Matthew Hartnett. I love the new album Southern Comfort from Matthew Hartnett! Funky, soulful, jazzy & mostly instrumental — sometimes mellow, sometimes fierce — energetic, diverse, and dope throughout. Just how I like my music! If you love big horns, deep bass lines, and dope drumming…you must check out Southern Comfort from this tremendously tight band because it’s one of the Top 10 Best Albums of 2016.

Intoxicating New Orleans Funk

“I Wish You Would” comes from Dumpstaphunk — the band of Ivan Neville (Aaron’s son) — and one of the funkiest bands in New Orleans nowadays, even though this tune is a few years old. This fantastic Funk song features guests, Trombone Shorty & sax man Skerik…so you know it’s got Soul!

Then, listen to one from Corey Henry’s Lapeitah, one of the best albums of 2016. “Get Funky” is stimulating New Orleans Funk at its finest. One of the year’s best party songs, it’ll get that Funk up in your life!

I can’t talk about New Orleans Funk with out including a funky brass band song. March yourself around to “Keepin’ It Funky” by The Hot 8 Brass Band.

Check out a trippy video from Tru Thoughts Records & The Hot 8 Brass Band — a tribute to the joyous spirit of community and musical celebration running through the legendary New Orleans street parades — for their rockin’ song “Working Together” the flip side to this 2016 single…

 

Scorching Instrumental Funk

Caboose is one of the tightest, modern Funk outfits you’ll hear these days. Coupe, their 2015 record, is a high energy masterpiece of organ driven Funk music. Raw guitars, deep bass, and dope drums keep your body moving. Every one of its 14 dope instrumental Funk songs tracks is superb. None of them stand out as being much better than any other, just like the four amazing musicians. These dudes harmonize & jam together, sucking you into each song. They enthrall you with changes in direction, short solos, and then get back hard into the groove. Dig on “Scooch” — one of my favorite modern Funk grooves from Coupe.

Dance Floor Funk At Its Finest

Thankfully Fort Knox Five is still making its distinctive style of modern Funk music after the untimely death of founding member Jon Horvath. “Don’t Go” is a high-energy, real funky get-down groove! It’s a party starter tune, and deserves to be in every DJ’s record bag (or digital arsenal).

Rocky Mountain High Funk

“Damn!” the first single from The Motet’s 2016 album, Totem, uplifts you with its lyrical enthusiasm & Parliament style Funk. This is an irresistible groove, and perfect party song. I’m stoked for The Motet, and their recent rise to the top of the modern Funk scene. This hard-working, Colorado band deserves their success.

Spiritual Warrior For The Funk

Brilliant bass player, Freekbass, continues the uplifting party vibe with “Up,Up,Up” — an implacable tune reminding us that it’s OK to funk in public, and not be afraid to get a little higher when people are trying to keep you down.

Black Belts Of Primetime Funk

Kung Fu typically rains down a devastating, lethal Funk on you with their bad-ass black-belt backbeat. Joyride is no different. It’s a dynamic, explosive record of perfect party music. “Primetime,” a stimulating song full of funky, rockin’ guitars, organ grooves, and dope drum & bass sets the vibe that’s all about a funky good time.

Grinding Up The Dance Floor

Shake your thing to the funky “Beef Grinder” by Lexsoul Dancemachine. This is furious, fiery Funk for the dance floor…and comes recommended by the one & only Craig Charles from 2016’s The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club – Volume 4 on Freestyle Records.

The Funky Netherlands

Dig The Jig! This SUPER BAD Amsterdam-based group closes out this Spotify playlist with the funky, bass heavy “Free Fluid Fusion” from their 2016 record, Proximo Disco. The Jig creates its own original sound: vintage and up-to-date at the same time. An instrumental groove machine with a rock & roll attitude, uncut Funk, and stunning brass section…these guys never fail to come through with uplifting, powerful and exhilarating music.

Puerto Rican Power! Sabroso Latin Funk

2016 was a little light on Latin Funk for my tastes. Until Bosq released San Jose 51 with La Candela Allstars.

Bosq camped out in the middle of Old San Juan and greeted a cast of visiting musicians, including the legendary Tempo Alomar, as well as my favorite Fania Allstar, Roberto Roena. Read the fascinating tale here.

In this playlist, you’ll hear “Aquarembe,” a smoking, modern-sounding Latin Funk jam with Ray Lugo and Roberto Roena. It’s all high-energy, feel-good tropical music to heat you up anytime!

Fabulous French Funk

One of my favorite 2016 releases is Maputo Queens by Etienne de la Sayette, which you can buy on the Paris DJs Bandcamp page. Composer/arranger/producer Etienne de la Sayette is a frenetic globe-trotter and a relentless collector of musical instruments, and co-founder/saxophonist for Parisian Ethio-Jazz band, the amazing, Akalé Wubé.

“Feeling You,” which you can listen to here, is a rework of a Grant Phabao production with Californian songstress Afrodyete (from The Breakestra). The original Afrobeat tune is gone, replaced by a thrilling clavinet & clavioline-led Funk piece, giving it a Stevie Wonder, “Superstition” feel.

Vaudou Game picks up in 2016 where their dope debut, Apiafo, left off — with high-energy, funky African music that brilliantly bridges traditional and modern music from Africa. Their 2016 album, Kidayu, is even funkier!

This impressive French Funk band, led by Peter Solo from Togo, is clearly influenced by James Brown on this one. Heavy rhythms, funky guitar playing, electrifying organ, and horny horns propel their Afro-Funk groove. I can’t understand a thing they say, but the lyrics don’t matter because you feel the voodoo spirits when Peter Solo gets into it with his stirring stage presence, and shows what a phenomenal front man & brilliant band leader he is.

Click here to learn more about them and get it on vinyl. In the meantime, listen to Kidayu on Spotify. Then, read this interview with lead singer, Peter Solo, from AfroPop Worldwide to learn how they make their impressive Voodoo Funk.

“La Vie C’est Bon” is one of the coolest songs I’ve heard in 2016! 
And, I can’t understand anything except, “life Is Good”! Listen to it in this Spotify playlist and you’ll have the catchy French chorus stuck in your head in the most joyful way 😉

 

Check out the official video for “I Believe in Love” by Polyrhythmics (featuring Lucky Brown). It’s a scorching Funk song, and not available on Spotify, just 45 rpm on WestSound Records…

 

Watch The Motet on Jam In The Van, playing “Like We Own It” (Live from GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, CO 2016)…

 

I hope this article & Spotify playlist have pointed you in the right direction for breathtaking new Funk music. What are your favorite songs in this playlist? If you have any exciting new Funk songs to add, please let us know in the comments below…

Wanna see what else is new in the world of Funk? Click here to listen to the best instrumental Funk songs of 2016.

 

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About Joe Gatto

I help time-strapped lovers of pure Funk music, as well as funky, eclectic, global grooves find awesome new music to listen to. Funkish curates the hottest tropical sounds, organic grooves, and deep, polyrhythmic vibes, from around the world. Get hip to soulful, funky, genre-bending music. Follow Funkish.

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