By Hans Fink
BOOTSY COLLINS, who pretty much invented the funk bass style and methodology as bassist for JAMES BROWN and PARLIAMENT/FUNKADELIC, has founded the Funk University. The Funk University, or FU, is an online school of bass technique and, apparently, funk. In a video mission statement on www.thefunkuniversity.com, Collins comments that, “I can’t just keep all this funk to myself. Funk is here to be shared.” Shared indeed, as Collins has attracted some of the best bass players from around the world to his cause, among them the prolific LES CLAYPOOL of PRIMUS; Victor Wooten of BELA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES; Divinity Roxx, bassist for BEYONCÉ; and John B. Williams, an old school jazz player who has played with LOUIS ARMSTRONG and COUNT BASIE, as well as playing in the bands for Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show and The Arsenio Hall Show.
In an item of news that just fills this writer with all kinds of sonic glee, WU-TANG CLAN member GZA has announced he is working on Liquid Swords 2, a long-awaited follow up to his 1995 solo debut Liquid Swords. Naturally, Wu-Tang Clan leader and renowned producer RZA (also cousin to the GZA) will be producing the album. This, of course, follows last year’s effort from fellow Wu-Tang Clan member RAEKWON, who released Only Built 4 Cuban Linx . . . Pt. II last fall, which was, of course, a successful follow-up to 1995’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx . . . With their gritty and unpredictable approach to rhyme-writing, it’s nice to see that even after 15 years, Wu Tang Clan still “ain’t nuthing ta F‘ Wit,” as the classic title goes.
Famed singer and professional bleeding-heart activist BONO recently underwent emergency back surgery. According to the U2 website, Bono sustained an injury “during preparation training,” (I suspect he was trying to smell his own farts and bent over farther than he should have) and must now recover before U2’s upcoming “Gargantuan Stadium Tour” can officially launch. Originally slated to launch on the third of this month, in Salt Lake City, it remains to be seen if the remainder of the tour dates will be affected or not.
Speaking of dirty hippies, MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD has recently signed to EMI/Capitol, a logical move for the struggling major, based on the strength of Franti’s loyal fan base coupled with the recent breakout platinum-smash single, “Say Hey (I Love You).” Franti’s next album with Spearhead and first on EMI/Capitol, titled The Sound of Sunshine, is set to be released later this summer, preceded by the first single “Shake It,” which debuted late last month. For a while, EMI has been the smallest of the surviving major labels, but this move, coupled with successful releases from artists such as GORRILLAZ, LCD SOUNDSYSTEM and 30 SECONDS TO MARS, may go a long ways in helping EMI contend with the likes of Sony, Universal and Warner.
Sadly, I find myself including yet another rock-star obituary in this column. As I’m sure any music fan with access to modern technology is aware, RONNIE JAMES DIO passed away May 16 due to stomach cancer. Dio’s career as a singer dates back to 1957 with his start in THE VEGAS KINGS. But what largely propelled him to fame, aside from his powerful voice and high range, was when he joined BLACK SABBATH in 1979 as Ozzy Osbourne’s successor. He is also remembered for his time fronting for RAINBOW, the eponymously titled band DIO and, of course, HEAVEN AND HELL, who were actually slated to go on tour in support of IRON MAIDEN in July prior to Dio’s failing health. A public memorial service for Ronnie James Dio was held in Los Angeles at the end of last month.
As if one tragic death in the industry isn’t enough, SLIPKNOT bassist Paul Gray (also known as #2 or “The Pig”) was found dead in a hotel room in Des Moines, Iowa. As of press time, no cause of death has been determined. He is survived by his wife, Brenna, and their unborn child. Paul, like Dio, will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
