The Official Website of
DUANELANCEFILER
Duane Lance Filer's
Music and Other Funky Stuff
This is my play around page to rant and showcase some of the stuff in life that makes life worth living -music, family, friends, pictures.......... all fun stuff! This is just the beginning; I will be adding more stuff as the website grows. Feel free to hit me back if you like my taste - or even if you disagree. I love hearing about new artists, new authors, actors, movies, etc. Let's all grow together.
Music and Other Funky Stuff
What would the world be without music? Whether I'm working outisde, at the computer, at the park - you name it- I ususally have some form of music on. I'm eclectic- I like all types of music as long as it speaks to me. My favorite groups of all time are Sly and the Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, the Temptations, Miles Davis, James Brown, Bob Marley, the Talking Heads, Billy Preston, Bob Dylan, Prince, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Graham Central Station, Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power, Marcus Miller, and Al Green, You can't go wrong with War, Otis Redding, Shuggie Otis, Dr. John, the Doobie Brothers, Sting, and Trombone Shorty. I also like to write music concert reviews....so everybody get ready to read my reviews, rants, and ravings as this old dude gauges the music scene.
Music Reviews Through the Years
2014
Sixth Annual Long Beach Funk Festival Review
Fred Mitchell, Judge Kelvin D. Filer, and Duane Filer
at the LB Funk Festival - September 1, 2014
SoCal Labor Day Weekend Music
Forget the Downtown LA MIA Festival – The Real Music was at Long Beach’s WTF (“What the Funk”) Funk Festival
Busy weekend here in LA LA land. Saturday, and Sunday saw the Made in America (MIA) Festival take place in the freshly minted Grand Park smack in the middle of downtown LA. The mixture of rock, hip-hop, and electronic (notice I didn’t mention the word funk) music acts included Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, John Mayer, Iggy Izalea, Chance the Rapper, Imagine Dragons, and Cypress Hill. While I hold nothing against today’s musicians/acts, they just don’t move me like some real good funk music! Probably because I’m 61 years old, stubborn, and biased…..but as Popeye said “I ams what I ams, and that’s all that I ams.” So I didn’t make MIA this year….however….I had to get me some groove this Labor Day weekend- and the Queen Mary in Long Beach was just the place. Welcome to the 6th Annual Long Beach Funk Festival!
I walked through the gates to the Long Beach Queen Mary Waterfront and what a beautiful sight. Blue waterfront to the right; Queen Mary bouncing on mellow waves in the rear; huge stage in the front- plenty of grass and seating……the smell of garlic fries waffling thru the breeze…..and did I mention women in shorts and sandals? Ifen I didn’t shame on me; let me mention it now – beautiful women- all sizes, shapes, colors prancing around in tight cut-off jeans and whatnot. LORD HAVE MERCY! I met up with my brother Kelvin and of course Fred Mitchell- Fred hasn’t missed a funk festival yet.
First off, the MC was one of the all-time Funk Historians/Aficionados; none other than Rickey Vincent. Rickey told me to pass on some skunk-funk to the SoulPatrol nation.
First to hit the stage was Delta Nove, the band of LB Funk Festival creator Bobby Easton. Bobby and the fellas kicked it all off in fine fashion with some of their Long Beach funk.
Katdelic was up next, with the bad RonKat Spearman slinging his left-handed guitar licks every-which-a-way-with two fine sisters slamming on stage…….. both sporting that kinky natural hair so many sisters are turning to today (thank God.) Personally- I love the kinky look….retro with a “twist” - go ahead sisters. Kat closed his set with a blistering nod to Sly and “You’re the One.”
The Meters Experience featuring Leo Nocentelli hit the stage next – who doesn’t enjoy New Orleans gumbo funk that Neo and The Meters created. The crowd was on its feet from the git-go…thru “Cissy Strut” and “Hey Pockey Way.” Neo pointed out that his drummer played James Brown’s drummer (either Jabo or Clyde-can’t remember) in the recently released “Get On Up.” Young blood was tearing up the drums, which is essential to that New Orleans funk. Gone Leo!!
It was during Leo’s set when I heard something buzzing by my ear, and lo and behold there was a multi-colored drone flying very low over the crowd with a camera attached to it. Lordy be…they finally found a good use for drones – this thing was flying around right in front of the stage—capturing the bands as they played. I can’t wait to see the actual footage – but it has to look fantastic. I don’t think the drones were snooping on the crowd, although it did seem to hover over this one foxy chick with major cleavage……..hmmm…………maybe Barack couldn’t make it and the President of Chocolate City needed a funk fix – lord knows with all the problems he’s facing he could use some funk groove.
REVELATION TIME! It seems that at these festivals at least one band sneaks up on everybody and surprises with their tightness AND FUNKINESS. Today’s winner was none other Karl Denson and Tiny Universe- a band I’m ashamed to admit I had never seen or heard of before…..but….WOW…..how have I slept on this band? They threw down some of the tightest licks, hooks, and baddass singing I’ve heard from a funk band in some time. 3 black brothers (including leader/saxophonist/flautist Karl Denson) and 3 white brothers- just up there grooving their asses off. They played this song off their new CD (“New Ammo”) called “Grenadiers” that sounded like Edgar Winter and “Frankenstein” slapping fives with Maceo Parker and “Funk Overlord.” Damn….song even had me trying to twerk! They then did their version of the Cold War kids “Hang Me Out to Dry” that was funkier than 3 Duck Dynasty beards! “Everybody Knows That”…man….you gotta get these cats latest CD. I later learned that Karl was in Lenny Kravitz’s band and also shepherded the GreyBoy AllStars. When these guys come to town, you gotta go see them if you want to dance.
I just have to mention that during a break I wandered over to the food area and had to have me one of those humongous garlic stuffed sausages with sautéed onions, peppers, and slathered in mustard. This thing comes on a roll as big as your forearm – looks like a brown baseball bat in a mitt. It almost takes two folks to hold it.
I wandered through the artists’ exhibit area, the dance circle, and the jewelry and t-shirt vendors; but most importantly I was glad to see a young group of high school students holding court at the smaller stage. The group, the Funk Angels, was made up of musicians from various Long Beach High schools and they were learning the funk ropes…….a mixture of races learning about funk. They had this young white dude blowing “Fight the Power” like he owned it. Hurrah for the youngsters learning and keeping the funk alive.
At 7:30p.m….the area in front of the stage was swelled to capacity because we all knew the Mothership had landed and George Clinton and P-Funk was closing. Finally…………………………“Ya’ll Ready for the Mothership?” came a deep voice from the darkened stage……… “Well then “Shit – Godamn – Get Off Your Ass and Jam” and we were lifted off by the baddest/funkiest band left on earth. George was in a great mood, leading the crowd in all his hits from all these years. It suddenly hit me that a George Clinton/Parliament/Funkadelic concert is more like an opera than anything else – and George with his bad self is the cosmic conductor. One minute you had Michael Hampton shredding the hell out of “Maggot Brain”; then Sir Nose Devoid of Funk danced his twisted abs ridiculous another….…..all at the direction of the maestro himself, Sir George Clinton. THEY PLAYED FOR 2 and 1/2 HOURS STRAIGHT……....played em all……..“ Flashlight” “Knee-Deep” “Get Up for the Downstroke” “Give Up the Funk - Tear the Roof Off the Sucker” “Atomic Dog.” Little kids on shoulders were up on stage…George’s grand-daughter came out and spit some lyrics…..at one point I counted at least 35 folks on the stage! DAMN!
“That’s what P-Funk does ya’ll……tell everybody you witnessed one of the funkiest bands of all time” Rickey told everybody as we were leaving.
When it was over my legs were tired and spent; but my spirit was strong. I struggled to the car….sweaty but standing. My last wish was for a take home garlic encrusted sausage/hot dog- but alas they were closed.
Oh well………..If I couldn’t have a sausage dog, at least I blasted “Atomic Dog” all the way home and let the funk nourish me till the end of this unforgettable night. Sweet dreams……………….and may the funk be with you.
Peace, love, and funk on everybody…………
Duane Lance Filer
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"Experience Hendrix" - Greek Theater - October 10, 2014 - The 3 Amigos Plus One
Kelvin, Anthony and I, plus my beautiful neo-hippie niece Brynne, attended the “Experience Hendrix” Concert Friday night at the Greek Theater- and it was indeed quite the experience. If you like Jimi Hendrix- THIS WAS THE PLACE TO BE. All but one song was a Hendrix song (I think – that song was a blues number by Buddy Guy I had never heard before.) The list of artists was impressive; Billy Cox and Buddy Guy played the last set of the 3 and ½ hour concert – doing “Who Knows”, “Them Changes” and maybe my favorite Hendrix song “Red House.”
If you liked guitar playing in Jimi’s signature shredding style- this was the place to be. While I hadn’t heard of Zakk Wylde (played with Ozzy Osbourne’s band), Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, or Ana Popovic- I knew about them at the end……….they gave major props to Jimi and played some wild guitar solos. Jonny Lang- I wouldn’t have recognized him if he was sitting next to me – he cut off all his hair and looks like a college nerd- BUT MAN HE CAN WAIL ON THAT GUITAR AND HE HAS THAT RASPY, BLUES VOICE!
But we all agreed the revelation to all of us was Kenny Wayne Shepherd….if there is a faster, more polished guitar shredder around – let me know. The boy is badd!!!!! He came out and blew the crowd away, along with the singer Noah Blatt of his band. I will have to get me some Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
Now….there was one controversy. The Judge, in his infinite wisdom and great sight, claims on a couple of songs Kenny played a special guitar with the tuning pegs/headstock/nut inverted…….in other words – this area of the right-handed playing Kenny’s guitar was on the bottom instead of the top. Kelvin said this was undoubtedly his tribute to Jimi Hendrix – who we all know could play either a right-handed or left-handed guitar- strung anyway you want. Brynne, Anthony, and I didn’t buy it – and we had quite the discussion on the ride home with the Judge holding to his position. Google seems to confirm we are correct……..I found nothing about Kenny Wayne Shepherd playing an upside down guitar – but the debate continues.
Stopped by Pink’s on the way home to end a perfect night with some of their world famous hot-dogs…with the Judge still proclaiming he was “right dadblasted!!!”
Can anyone come to the Judge’s defense???
Duane Filer
Family and Other Funky Stuff
Family is very important to me. My family is awesome - I have six brothers and sisters and we have ALWAYS supported one another. My dad Maxcy and mom Blondell raised us to be responsible human beings...and it all started with us going to church and learning the word of God! My family helped integrate the First United Methodist Church in Compton, California in the mid 60's . I truly beliive our early life experiences shaped us to be the successful adults we are today. Man....we had a ball growing up! I Hope you guys like these pictures.
2009
Mandrill at MacArthur Park - Los Angeles July 12, 2009
Absolutely gorgeous SoCal Friday evening – sultry breeze blowing thru this ageless park settled near downtown LA. MacArthur Park once had the reputation of being a dangerous place, filled with drugs and other illicit activity – but an influx of newly renovated lofts and nu (mostly young) gentrifying city dwellers (it appears downtowns across the nation are being rediscovered as livable) has changed the landscape of the urban park into a family friendly gathering place.
The shell of the bandstand rises above the green lawn as groups of folks have laid out their blankets and picked their choice spots. Kids are playing crazy on the playground to the left…….the bells and whistles of strolling vendors fill the air as they push/peddle their carts of sweet smelling hot dogs (onions, bacon, red peppers;) or those bags of rinds with hot sauce and lime toppings………..ice cream….
Salsa music fills the air. We await the salsa/funk/jazz/reggae/rock/blues/gospel musical hybrid known as Mandrill. No hurry. Just awhile ago I met the current Mandrill guitarist Gemi Taylor hanging by the side of the bandstand with his wife and son (Bob, he specifically asked me to pass on his greetings to you and the rest of the Soul Patrol nation.). Knowing that Gemi once played with Graham Central Station, I had to ask him if he knew how Larry Graham was doing and if he was still performing. He claims as far as he knows Larry is still deep into his Jehovah Witness religion, “saving souls” and knocking on neighborhood doors in Minneapolis. Sure hope Larry gets back into the studio soon – as Little Richard’s and countless other musician’s life stories reveals – personal religion and funk can co-exist.
I saunter back over to my area and I am soon thrilled to be joined by foxy Sally Foxen, her cute friend, and some other Soul Patrollers Sally has corralled. Cops on those motorized scooters peruse the park…..all is good……THESE ARE MY PEEPS! Soon we hear the back of the bandstand come alive with tambourines, whistles, and honking horns as that distinctive mardi gras/carnival parade starts snaking around the stage announcing MANDRILL IS IN THE HOUSE.
“Mandrill” is the first song out of the gate, and the party is off and running! Soon, the three Wilson brothers – Lou, Carlos, and Ric – are front and center and the crowd is dancing to “Rolling On.” These are real live musicians/pros on the stage, as they start exchanging instruments (horns, congas, guitars, and bass) as they kick into the salsa of “Cohelo” and the funk of “Positive Thing.”
“Hang Loose” has folks up and dancing and “everybody….trying to be somebody!” Veggies are good, but give me some “Mango Meat” anytime. The brothers then shifted gears, with brother Carlos dedicating a somber “House of Wood” to Michael Jackson – the brothers singing that calypso harmony. We all had to git to do some walking, so “Fencewalk” morphed into “Git it All.” The mighty Mandrill had to do an encore before the park curfew set in - so we all got high with “Ape is High.”
Great musicianship. As custom, the Soul Patrollers all met with the guys in Mandrill after the concert and thanked them for their continuous great music and the keepers of the funk flame. Not a bad way to kick off the weekend!
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Brother Anthony, Baby Stone (Sly's Daughter) Duane Lance, Brother Kelvin, and friend at Ist Long
Beach, CA Funk Festival
2009 1st LONG BEACH FUNK FESTIVAL: Mandrill, Dawn Silva, Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, The Meters Experience w/Leo Nocentelli, Breakestra, Delta Nove, Danny Bedrosian & Secret Army, Slapbak, BabyStone, Fun JA LA (Emcee - Rickey Vincent )
West Coast funk is alive! This first Long Beach Funk Festival was the brainchild of Bobby Easton, guitarist for funk band Delta Nove. Here's what they did - they put up huge stages/bandstands on each end of Pine Avenue in downtown Long Beach - creating a musical streetscene for all the funk soldiers to enjoy.......and it was all free! There was never more than a 5 minute gap in music - while one band was playing - the next stage was being set up for the next group. IT WAS GENIUS!!! And then, who do you get to MC and keep the joint rolling, but none other than funk aficionado Professor Rickey Vincent from the Bay Area......one of the foremost funkoligists on planet earth!
To keep everyone funked for 12 straight hours (12pm to 12am.), you gotta come strong with the line-up. Up first was a good friend of Foxy Sally Foxen (of course she was there - spreading her joy and funky knowledge as always.....gotta luv the ooooooothatgirl....):
Fun JA LA - featuring Victor Orlando (Gap Band.) Sally had introduced me to Victor at a recent Mandrill Concert, and his band really got the party started with "Dance to the Music." Fun JA LA was indeed funk-for-all.....and it was ON.
Rickey Vincent - "head to the other stage" (this goes on after each performance.)
BabyStone - Sly's daughter, Novena Carmel, and her group hit the stage smoking! Those Sly genes were evident throughout her fast paced show, and of course she included papa Sly's "Sing a Simple Song." We got a chance to meet (and snap a pic) with Novena - and she said to pass a "keep the funk alive" note to all the SoulPatrollers.
Slapbak - I know from talking to Bob, the Soul-Patrol.com nation is aware of Jara Harris and his tight-nit crew called Slapbak. They are SoCal/Long Beach faves, and brought the funk as usual. They had everybody moving during James B's "PayBack."
Danny Bedrosian & Secret Army - Here is why you have to go out and listen to live music. I must admit I hadn't heard of Danny Bedrosian, but when I saw that Blackbyrd McKnight of P-Funk/Herbie Hancock fame was playing guitar with him - I knew the funk couldn't be faked. This Armenian dude tore that keyboard up. Danny often tours and plays with George Clinton and the rest of P-Funk,
Delta Nove- I had seen Delta Nove before in Long Beach, so I knew what they could do. Bobby Easton said "you can't have a funk festival without playing a George Clinton/Funkadelic song" - they then launched into "If You Don't Like the Effects, Don't Produce the Cause." Nuff said!
Breakestra - Of all the new groups and new music I heard at the festival - this group totally blew me away. They are a SoCal group headed by bassist/ guitarist/ keyboardist/cellist/singer Miles Tackett with a lot of the soul singing/shouting coming from Mixmaster Wolf. This band- just think of a melding of Otis Redding/James Brown/Fishbone/Red Hot Chi Peppers......all taught at the feet of Sun Ra? These guys don't stop playing throughout their set - one funk song morphs into the next funk riff...add a black female soul singer in Afrodyte. I can't describe how good these guys are!
The Meters Experience with Leo Nocentelli - No funk festival would be complete without some Louisiana gumbo. Leo was the gumbo, playing the Meter's "Cissy Strut," "Fire on the Bayou" and "Hey Pocky-Way" - the crowd doing its own SoCal-line throughout the set. What a great guitarist...he was up there working hard!
Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band - As dusk settled and it finally began to cool down - here comes Charles and his band, in matching white suits, marching on the stage to push the heat rite back up again. Charles was having a good time with "Till You Get Enuff" "Loveland" and closed with his anthem of "Express Yourself" - everybody singing all the lyrics.
Dawn Silva - IT WON'T STOP....FUNK HAS A LIFE OF IT'S OWN!! Dawn jumps on stage, and who is in her band? The aforementioned Blackbyrd McKnight on one guitar; Gail Muldrow (from Graham Central Station fame) on another; Cynthia Robinson and Jerry Martini (Sly and the Family Stone) sitting on horns. They tore it up with P-Funk, Bride of Funkenstein, Little Sister jams. They closed with "Sing a Simple Song" and "Wanna Take You Higher" and we woke up all of Long Beach with "HIGHER" and peace signs in the air!
Mandrill - Nobody is ready to go until they've squeezed the last bit of soul from their souls and we've heard "Ape is High" and "Hang Loose." Mandrill controlled and owned that stage and the crowd- and although drained - we funked out that last bit of movement that hadn't been used. Nearing midnight - it was like we finally CLIMAXED AS ONE.
Damn that was a lot of funk. The musicians from the various bands knew
this was something special - before and even after their respective sets, they were right there in the crowd enjoying the music. I got a chance to holler at Rickey Vincent, Blackbyrd McKnight, Gail Muldrow, Miles Tackett...I talked to Jerry Martini about Sly and Larry Graham....I told Bobby Easton thank you for bringing this to the people............. All for free. Bobby Easton - major props!!!
You can't stop the funk - you can only hope to contain it!
--Duane lance Filer
SoCali
Friends and Other Funky Stuff
Friends are the soul and vegation that help us all sprout throughout our lives....they allow us to grow outside and inside. Good friends are irreplacebale. Following are some of my rants and ravings about my friends.
Pictures and Other Funky Stuff
Pictures are worth a thousand words. Following are pictures from my 62 years of life on this planet called earth.
