Some artists leave a legacy that stretches far beyond a great single or a number 1 album.
Artist Focus is a new series hosted by the extended Melodic Distraction family that deep dives into the life and times of the musicians that have defined the sound of modern music. From the stone cold classics to the unearthed gems and forgotten B-sides, our community tribute an hour of music by a single artist that has had a notable impact on their life.
This Artist Focus show is part one of two, beginning by concentrating on Parliament – the P part of George Clinton’s P-Funk sound. Arising as a dop wop vocal quintet from New Jersey in the mid-sixties Parliament’s recorded output didn’t really kick off until the mid-seventies due to legal wrangles over the name. In the meantime, essentially the same band rose to prominence under the monicker Funkadelic. However, Parliament were different, and their albums provided a contrast to Funkadelic’s rawer, more psychedelic funk rock, There was a greater expression of soul and R&B influences; vocal harmonies and intricate brass arrangements. Though boy, could they still give up the funk as this show will demonstrate!