THE FUNKTION BAND LIGHTS UP THE SILK CITY
The Funktion
THE FUNKTION BAND LIGHTS UP THE SILK CITY
THE FUNKTION BAND LIGHTS UP THE SILK CITY
As the high heat and humidity continued to hover, few noticed as the final band for the evening set up. Most were preoccupied with searching for a cold drink, or simply counting away the time until the pyrotechnic finale. Some that did notice more music on the way, may have, a la, Simon Cowell, thought, “This will be just another karaoke or cruise ship band.”
Nothing from the above could be farther than the truth. From the very first note, in appearance, style, and sound, the Garden State’s own, “The Funktion Band”, literally brought the house down, or should it be said, intersection.
September 14. 1968, marked the first episode of, what would turn out to be, one of the most iconic television shows in history. Often referred to as a, “counter-culture, hippie, undercover cop show,” the series featured three, soon to be superstar, household names-Julie, Pete, and Linc played by Peggy Lipton, Michael Cole, and Clarence Williams III. The trio soon became idols of virtually every teenager in America, not to mention many adults. The show was appropriately entitled, “The Mod Squad.” The hip threesome literally redefined the word, “cool”.
Fast forward to Independence Day, 2013. The moment The Funktion Band took stage, comparison to The Mod Squad was inevitable. The only difference was the players sang, danced, and sported microphones, rather than chased bad guys.
Early on, The Funktion rolled the musical dice by taking a calculated risk. The bass boomed the unmistakable beat of Michael Jackson’s signature hit, “Billie Jean”. Improving on any Michael Jackson song is virtually impossible. Doing such is considered, by many, as almost sacrilegious. However, The Funktion’s version did better than just shoot par. Somehow, frowns and furrowed brows of traditionalists were not only avoided, but seemingly everyone enjoyed the rendition.
Centerpiece was female vocalist, Ms. Denise King. Her counterparts were singers Chandler and Randy. A full band of trumpets, saxophone, keyboard, and drums, completed the harmonious scenario.
Ms. King immediately captivated the crowd with her magnetic stage presence. Sporting a vivacious, contagious smile, she quickly conjured up an even closer comparison than that of Peggy Lipton. Funktion’s lead female vocalist could easily be referred to, as, “the second coming of Janet Jackson”. No doubt about it, Ms. King looks like Janet Jackson. Ms. King moves like Janet Jackson. The only question remaining was soon answered. Ms. King, also, sounds like Janet Jackson. Whether taking lead or back-up, whether with alto or soprano, Ms. King’s vocals seemed to fit every song occasion, as well as Michael’s trademark, white glove.
Not to be outdone, Ms. King’s stage partners would also, certainly, be voted on to Hollywood. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was Chandler. The tall drink of water sported dark pants with matching vest, complimented by a metal, silver, chain, stretching from hip pocket to belt buckle. Add shoulder length hair, comparison to the quintessential, 70’s mainstream rocker, was in order. One could even imagine Blake Shelton’s chair turning around, claiming Chandler for a country prize. However, neither of the former proved most accurate. Chandler’s rich, deep vocals, amazing range, and ease of movement, left only one conclusion, “This man is a true soul singer.” As if walking out of a 1967 recording session with Otis Redding, at Stax Records, in Memphis, Chandler belted out hit after hit. Icing on the cake was provided with his amazing, falsetto rendition of Prince’s, “Kiss”.
Last but not least, Randy, seemed most natural with R&B and Soul selections. Silk shirt and slacks were complimented by a dapper cap, bringing on night shift visions of Marvin Gaye. Such was underscored by Randy’s lead of the Master of Motown’s smash number, “Let’s Get It On.” However, Randy also proved he could turn on his inner Rick James with several funk numbers, including, “Fire”, by the Ohio players.
Not mentioning the choreography of King, Chandler, and Randy, would definitely leave an incomplete picture. The three often swinged and swayed as if not only being in Paterson, but in Detroit, as well. Of particular note was the chemistry between King and Chandler. The pair played perfectly off each other, as if by telepathic communication.
No true funk band would be complete without a brass section. James and Ken with trumpets, and Doug on saxophone, converged at just the right moments. Drummer Frank, was steady throughout, accentuating each, and every, genre played. A smooth keyboard was also a constant presence.
Fitting crescendo for the evening were the beautiful fireworks and The Funktion’s universal language of, “We Are Family”, by Sister Sledge.
Ed Rumley
The Paterson Press, July 13 2013
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