Trouble Funk: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert (Video)

Abby O'Neill -- Go-go — Washington D.C.'s regional twist on funk — reigned in the DMV during the 1980s, and one of the scene's signature acts was Trouble Funk. More than 30 years later, the collective, led by Big Tony Fisher, still fills sold-out venues with heavyweight percussion and call-and-response lyrics. Trouble Funk concerts are bona fide jam sessions, so I was determined to squeeze their unrelenting rhythms behind the Tiny Desk.

With 12 members sandwiched into a cramped space, the electricity was almost tangible as they launched into the 1982 banger "Pump Me Up," a song sampled in Public Enemy's protest anthem "Fight the Power" and M/A/R/R/S's dance classic "Pump Up The Volume." The drum breaks here are definitive go-go and it was hard to discern who was having more fun: the band or the audience. On "Grip It," buoyant and staccato horn melodies propelled the song forward, while "Let's Get Small" featured Trouble Funk's classic call-and-response chants. "Drop the Bomb," another notable gem from their lengthy discography, kept the energy level high and "Don't Touch That Stereo" was all raw, unencumbered funk. To conclude the set, they segued into "E Flat Boogie," their first hit in 1979, with Big Tony's vocals front and center.

While the late Chuck Brown is often acknowledged as the godfather of go-go (and you can see why during his Tiny Desk), Trouble Funk was a key part of the sound's second wave. In a city often interrupted by the transient revolving door of government officials and federal staffers, the funky artform is woven into the fabric of this city and inspires a spirit of dance, rhythm and sheer joy.

Rating:
  • Currently 0/5 stars.

Views: 112

Comment

You need to be a member of True Skool Network to add comments!

Join True Skool Network

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Bookmark and Share

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

All-4-One
Saturday, Mar 9 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Loose Ends
Friday-Saturday, Mar 22-23 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Ledisi
Sunday, Apr 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Steel Pulse
Thursday, Apr 18 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Groups

Latest Activity

realmuzik posted discussions
14 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
21 hours ago
Artistpr posted a blog post

Introducing Vons WRLD: A Rising Musical Talent Emerges from Omaha, Nebraska

Oakland, California — At just 17 years old, Von Williams or professionally known as emerging artist Vons WRLD is already making waves in the music industry with his powerful storytelling and captivating melodies. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in the vibrant musical landscape of Atlanta, Georgia, Vons WRLD draws inspiration from his diverse upbringing to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide.Despite facing the challenges of a rough childhood, Vons WRLD found solace and…See More
yesterday
realmuzik posted discussions
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Young Zeek IS Back With New Single Blue Vibes Feat MJ Robinson

Rap artist Young Zeek continues to push the boundaries of what it takes to become a great artist. He's dropping the 4th project out of the "Blow" series and he continues to put out classic hip hop music. YZ released eleven projects independently on Royalty Gang Records, he's an underground legend that is making his mark on the hip hop scene. He selects amazing beats, has an original flow and charm that has the ladies falling in love with the rapper. "Blow 4" is amazing from start to finish, his…See More
Monday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Friday
realmuzik posted discussions
Mar 22
Artistpr posted a blog post

Shyne’ce Love – Triumph Over Adversity Through Melodic Hip Hop and Classical Expressions

From personal loss to musical enlightenment, New Orleans singer-songwriter Shyne’ce paves journey towards healing and empowermentNew Orleans, Louisiana —Shyne’ce Love’s story is one of heartbreaking losses and remarkable recovery, a narrative that she weaves into her groundbreaking music. Her new single, “Broken Hearted” is a sublime and…See More
Mar 22
Editor's Pick posted videos
Mar 21
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Mar 21

© 2024   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service