[LiveWeek] Bootsy Collins – Keepin’ Da Funk Alive

This live double set overcomes some of the tentative feeling of Collins’ 1994 debut on Rykodisc and builds some of the thump back into the funk, with Collins and band (which includes longtime P-Funk supporters like keyboardist Bernie Worrell, vocalist Mudbone Cooper and drummer Frankie “Kash” Waddy) putting serious energy into an 18-number set recorded in Tokyo, Japan.

Curiously enough, Bootsy trades off bass duties with guitarist Flip Cornett, so some cuts feature Bootsy playing rhythm guitar rather than his famous Space Bass — the latter not always being needed on some of the songs. The playing is tight and cheerful, with lots of call-and-response going on with the audience. Fun was obviously had by all concerned, and that projects nicely on this double set, making it an entertaining listen even though the majority of the numbers will be more than a little familiar to longtime passengers on the Mothership.

Bootsy’s New Rubber Band:
Bootsy Collins (vocals, guitar, bass)
Mudbone Cooper, Henry Benifield, Michael Gaitheright (vocals)
Flip Cornett (guitar, bass)
Gary “Dirty Mugg” James (guitar)
Vince Calloway, Reggie Calloway, Larry Hatcher, Don Bynum, Rick Gardner (horns)
Bernie Worrell, Joel “Razor Sharp” Johnson, Greg “Daffy Ducking” Fitz (keyboards)
Frankie “Kash” Waddy (drums).

Recorded live at the Jungle Club, Tokyo, Japan on June 24-25, 1994.
All songs written or co-written by Bootsy Collins except “Bernie Solo” (B. Worrell), “One Nation Under A Groove” (G. Clinton/G. Shider/W. Morrison), “P-Funk (Wants To Get Funked Up)” and “Cosmic Slop” (G. Clinton/B. Worrell).

Tracklist:

01. Intro – Albert Collins
02. Ahh… the Name Is Bootsy Baby
03. Bootsy? (What’s the Name of This Town?)
04. Psychoticbumpschool
05. Pinnochio Theory – Bootsy’s Rubber Band
06. Hollywood Squares
07. Bernie Solo
08. One Nation Under a Groove
09. P Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)
10. Cosmic Slop
11. Flash Light
12. Bootzilla
13. Roto-Rooter
14. I’d Rather Be With You
15. Scared Place (R.I.P.)
16. Medley: Stretchin’ Out/Touch Somebody
17. Night of That Thumpasorus People
18. Neepin’ Dah Funk Alive 4-1995

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