dance lessons

I saw James Brown live in concert once. It was a few years ago at the Rochester Jazz Festival, a weird place to see him. I couldn't believe I was in the same room as the Godfather of Soul. Hw was well into his 70s, and mostly hid his age behind the mic or his keyboard. But every once in a while, he'd step up and do the "James Brown" or the "funky chicken". It was brief before he tired, but for that instant, he was still the funkiest dancer as ever.

I have no idea what year this video is from, but is it possible that James Brown also invented breakdancing?



I'm waiting patiently for the posthumous releases and remasterings of lost gems from the James Brown vault, especially live concert footage. I'm dying to watch Mr. Please Please do the "mashed potato" in his hey-day. I probably shouldn't hold my breath. Looks like the James Brown estate doesn't have its act together.

Oh, and for all things James, NPR's got it covered...

A Tribute to James Brown

December 25, 2007 NPR· On the first anniversary of the death of soul singer James Brown, we learn about a recent unprecedented memorial celebration called Function at Princeton Junction. This scholarly gathering of writers, musicians, and critics took a look at and a listen to the music of James Brown. Music critic Robert Christgau was part of the conference and has these thoughts on the Godfather of Soul. MP3

CNN Examines James Brown's Legacy

May 4, 2007 NPR· Singer James Brown would have turned 74 yesterday. Don Lemon, anchor for CNN Newsroom talks to Tony Cox about James Brown, Say it Proud, a new CNN documentary that explores Brown's complicated musical and political legacy. MP3

Harlem Says Its Farewell to James Brown

December 28, 2006 NPR· A horse-drawn carriage carried the body of music legend James Brown through the streets of Harlem on Thursday to the world-famous Apollo Theater, where a sea of people waited to say farewell to the man known as the "Godfather of Soul." Brown died Christmas Day at the age of 73. He was to play in New York on New Year's Eve. MP3

Bandmate Recalls James Brown's Signature Style

December 25, 2006 NPR· Saxophonist Maceo Parker began playing with James Brown's band back in the 1960s, and his signature style helped define James Brown's brand of funk. MP3

James Brown's 'Please Come Home for Christmas'

December 25, 2006 NPR· A tribute to the soul icon, dead at 73. James Brown sings "Please Come Home for Christmas." MP3

It is what it is - mind power

How many times do you listen to a song, and it makes you think of another band, in a totally different genre or country? Or you read a little something neat about an artist you've been into? And you want to share that with someone?

I do that a little on the Beat Authority. But with weather and underwriting and station announcements, well, I can just talk too long for a music show. So this blog will be a place to share my ruminations on all things groove-worthy.

And I hope it'll be a place where you can share the same. and not just in the comments section. Consider this an open invitation to e-mail me a write-up about an artist we may not have heard of, an appreciation, etc. I'll add it here as a guest post. Hey, maybe we can even get Delaney Flushboy off his duff in Sweden...

Take It to the Bay!

I'm off momentarily to a LIVE! broadcast of the Beat Authority at Skiffs in Alexandria Bay. Looking in on Skiffs' web cam, there's currently a little blue bicycle in the space where esteemed live sound daddy extraordinaire, Joel Hurd, will be setting up our equipment in a couple hours.

Doing an on-location show is different from doing it week-to-week in the studio. It's more of a balancing act. Usually, I try to vary tempos, genres, and textures to create a radio show you can stay with for a whole two hours (actually, 1:45). Today's broadcast is a kick-off for the Caribbean North Coast Carnival, featuring lots of steel drum, reggae, and latin bands this weekend. So I'll be playing more caribbean music than usual - fine by me. Also, theoretically, there'll be people at Skiffs who want to dance, actually shake booty bigtime, not just sway at home or nod in the car. So the challenge today is to maintain the groove to keep the dance floor busy, while also keeping things interesting and varied for radio listeners.

Want to see how it turns out? Watch the show live starting at 3 this afternoon from Skiffs live video cam. I'll be looking for you...

Bienvenidos!

Yo peeps! Welcome to the new Beat Authority blog. I'll have something to say momentarily. This is just a test...