Ultrafunk
Artist ULTRAFUNK
Format:LP
Label:TRADING PLACES
Catalogue No:TDP54053
Barcode:5060672880534
No of Discs:1
Release Date:13 Nov 2020
Anonymous British funk studio outfit Ultrafunk was spearheaded by Blues & Soul magazine proprietor
John Abbey, who ran a fashionable record shop and label called Contempo in London’s West End during
the 1970s; he conceived of the group as the UK counterpart to US studio bands like MFSB. Arranger
Gerry Shury, who had worked with Barry White and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, drafted guitarist Chris
Rae and bassist Frank McDonald (who often composed library music together) and future
Rubettes drummer John Richardson to form the group, in situ. A lack of band photos, suggestive song
titles and a predilection for American cover tunes led many to believe the band was US-based. Their
self-titled debut LP is where the myth all begins, with a number of truly atmospheric and cinematic
hard funk instrumentals, given added textural depth through full orchestration, including covers of Bill
Withers’ “Use Me” and Stevie Wonder’s “Living In The City.” Though not quite as compelling as the
better-known follow-up set, Meat Heat, there is still plenty to savour on Ultrafunk, making this debut
companion disc a must-have for all true funk afficionados.
SIDE ONE
Kung Fu Man
Boogie Joe The Grinder
Who Is He And What Is He To You
Sting Your Jaws Part 1
SIDE TWO
Sting Your Jaws Part 2
Use Me
Buffalo Soldier
Sweet F.A.Living For The City