Dennis Coffey - Gimme that funk

My review of 'Gimme That Funk' By Dennis Coffey

A superb intro that builds nicely with the percussion and the gradual introduction of the bass line, horns and then studio chatter before breaking strongly into the vocals but not before the perfect pause which really accentuates the chorus. "GIMME THAT FUNK!"

I especially like the stereo panning of the vocal chat during the intro.

The guitar solos throughout are simply untouchable, (enough said) and there's really good balance and contrast between Dennis' vocals and the other vocals. At 2:15 the track breaks with the percussion really well and then builds continuously throughout the guitar solo.

The horns are fantastic and assist in creating the track build to every chorus and throughout, before the vocals let loose.

Biography

Dennis Coffey started playing the guitar at 13 and first recorded at the age of 15. He soon became a studio musician working for the 'Motown' label in Detroit as a member of 'The Funk Brothers', and recorded with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Gladys Knight, The Four Tops, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr Freda Payne.

He also worked with the legendary disco funk producer 'Norman Whitfield'. Dennis is credited for introducing the 'wah-wah' guitar sound to Motown, and pushing a funkier feel into the music.

Dennis Coffey's solo career was launched in 1969 with his 'Hair n Thangs' Album. He went on to record a total of 14 Albums, and his most famous single, 'Scorpio' reached number 6 in the US chart in 1971.

Denis Coffey also scored the soundtrack for the blaxplotation film 'Black Belt Jones' of which the theme tune is a cult classic.

Dennis Coffey's music has been a huge influence on many artists and his music has been sampled across many genres by artists including: The Beastie Boys, Ron Size, Rage against the Machine, Public Enemy, Moby, LL Cool J, House of Pain, Kid N Play, to name just a few.

Dennis Coffey still continues to play music around the globe today.

Links

Official website for Dennis Coffey

'Dennis Coffey' Discography

Albums

• Hair and Thangs - Maverick - 1969
• Evolution - Sussex - 1971
• Goin' for Myself - Sussex - 1972
• Electric Coffey - Sussex - 1973
• Dance Party - Sussex - 1974
• Instant Coffey - Sussex - 1974
• Gettin' It On - Carrere - 1975
• Back Home - Westbound - 1976
• Finger Lickin' Good - Westbound - 1976
• Sweet Taste of Sin - Westbound - 1976
• Under the Moonlight - Orpheus - 1979
• Big City Funk - Vampi Soul - 2006
• Motor City Magic - TSR - 1990
• Rise of the Phoenix - 2006

Singles

• Theme From Enter The Dragon - Sussex - 1973
• Theme From Black Belt Jones - Warner Bros. Records / Sussex - 1974
• Finger Lickin Good - Westbound - 1975
• Honky Tonk / El Tigre - Westbound - 1975
• Free Spirit / Our Love Goes On Forever - Atlantic - 1977
• Wings Of Fire - Atlantic / Westbound - 1977
• Calling Planet Earth / Calling Planet Earth - Atlantic / Westbound - 1978

Youtube Video

"Gimme that sound, Got to hear it! ....it creeps down into your soul"

My Other Favorite Tracks by Dennis Coffey

• Scorpio
• Calling Planet Earth
• Never can say Goodbye
• Ride Sally Ride
• Boogie Magic

To listen to these plus many more classic tracks follow here