The seasoned captain of the perpetual Pariliament/Funkadelic voyage is still busy loosing captive minds and recruiting new generations of musical cosmonauts. George Clinton and the scene that manifested from his vision will leave an everlasting imprint on America’s psyche.

The Parliaments were founded by Clinton in 1956 as a doo-wop group out of his New Jersey barbershop. Funkadelic was the backing band he assembled that became the primary mode of operation after their label went under and took the Parliaments name with it.

Throughout the subsequent years, Funkadelic morphed into a genre-defying ensemble and movement, with Clinton leading the infantry. A genuine musical expression known as funk evolved from blending psychedelic guitar, harmony, and introspect with groove-able, deep soul and blues.

On February 10th, 2008, fifty-two years after its story began; the Mothership blew the doors off The Vault in Long Beach. The raw transcendental force that stretched my mind and soul years ago is still present in the George Clinton and P/F exhibition.

I was a tad bewildered at the behavior of the audience in the set’s early stages, as many looked like they were watching a screening of Schindler’s List. The best I could figure is that not everybody has been moved by P/F’s music to such an extent as I. Or maybe not everyone understood the history represented on stage.

Inevitably, a change came as the crowd found the bar and began to unwind. Synchronistically, the massive on-stage assembly (at times as many as twenty deep) became in tune with their dynamics, and a synergy developed between the performers and audience.

I may be wrong here because I was not around during their seventies heyday; but I’m willing to bet the general essence of a P/F show hasn’t changed much – one of letting go and escaping the mundane 9 to 5 world most of us live in. Clinton and P-Funk (as they are known in short) always throw a great party and Sunday at The Vault was no exception. Many longtime members still sculpt the clay – Gary “Starchild” Shider, was there sporting nothing but a guitar and a diaper – his usual attire. “Blackbyrd” McKnight continues to exorcise on guitar; “Billy Bass” Nelson and Belita Woods also still cut loose. 

Clinton is now advancing in years and did more conducting, or “refereeing,” than actual singing and, the crew did leave a few classic numbers on the bus. But neither of these issues bothered me much at all. Maybe it’s because I had a few too many $6 beers in me, but I was entranced by the battalion; some new generation crusaders, some o.g., oozing their funk through such classics as “Mothership Connection,” “Take Your Dead Ass Home,” and “Up for the Down Stroke.”

Michael Hampton joined Funkadelic in the seventies as a 17-year-old guitar prodigy. Arguably the apex of the evening, as has been for many years worth of P-Funk shows, was Hampton’s poignant solo in “Maggot Brain.” The spine-chilling expressiveness of the song and solo make it commonplace on many a guitarist’s top ten lists.

Another memorable tune was newer to the repertoire: “Bounce to This” was led by a younger member of the funk mob; Florida vocalist Kendra Foster. This joint is appealing to today’s audience, but still holds the essential elements of P-Funk musicianship. Also leaving an impression was Greg Thomas’s passionate and furious sax solos that had even fellow band members staring in amusement.

At one point, I pondered the possibility of a special guest appearance. The LB has its own unique musical history, but instead of Snoop, it was Shavo Odadjian, bassist from System of a Down. Donning a shiny head and full-length coat, Shavo joined very fluidly the dance; slapping and bouncing, frolicking in the funk.

I left the show encouraged that the essence of genuine expression has not been lost. George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic are planting seeds that will birth a new generation of expansive musicians. It appears as though Clinton has appointed a worthy cabinet to carry the torch and the P-Funk party for years to come.

Bone up on your George Clinton and P/F history here:

http://www.georgeclinton.com

http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/parliament-funkadelic

Jeff Kuryak