FRED WESLEY — A Blow for Me, A Toot to You (review)

FRED WESLEY — A Blow for Me, A Toot to You album cover Album · 1977 · Funk Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
js
'A Blow for Me and a Toot to You’ was recorded in 1977 and reflects Wesley’s switch from working with James Brown to George Clinton’s Parliament ensemble. The music on here is not as jazzy as the old JBs and doesn’t sound a lot different from a Parliament record from this same era. Most songs are built around repeating vocal refrains that feature the usual p-funk style of complex polyphony. The interconnecting vocals lines are answered by some of the finest ensemble horn work in the business and they are all supported by the funky Parliament rhythm section. Some tunes also leave room for Wesley and some of his other horn players to go off. All of the expected Parliament stars are here including Bootsy, Maceo, Bernie Worrell, The Brecker Brothers, Gary Shider and Mike Hampton.

Recorded during the height of the disco era, this album reflects some commercial concerns with its steady 4 on the floor thump and slightly smooth disco production, but it is still funky and nasty and not overly slick. Album closer ‘Peace Fugue’ offers something different with its complex orchestrated melody that sounds like one of those Isaac Hayes soul symphonies. Although some may prefer Fred’s more jazzy syncopated work with the JBs, this is still a fun party record full of expert ensemble horn work and makes a fine companion to all those great 70s Parliament sides.
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