Bootsy Collins – The Power Of The One

Japanese import

 

The Power of the One Review by Andy Kellman

 

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted Bootsy Collins in the making of his first album since 2017’s World Wide Funk, forcing him to keep the party going in remote style. (What’s a data limit?) The bassist has no trouble continuing to emphasize "the one," the first beat of the measure, and adds a new meaning to the term as a positive communal philosophy promoted throughout the album.

 

As with World Wide Funk, these 71 minutes are overflowing with featured appearances from artists of multiple generations and genres. Front-loaded with a high-voltage sequence spotlighting guitarists George Benson, Rod Castro, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, and Brandon "Taz" Niederauer, The Power of the One differs from World Wide Funk in its emphasis on instrumentalists — as well as vocalists — with fewer roles for rappers. The veteran likes of Larry Graham, Branford Marsalis, and Christian McBride also pitch in, Bootsy’s longtime rhythm section parter Frankie "Kash" Waddy (Funkadelic, Rubber Band) is on board, and they all mix it up with a good number of younger voices in duly boisterous style.

 

The program slows down toward the end with some potent reflective material fronted by journeyman soulster Ellis Hall. Otherwise, it’s built for celebration.

 

A1 – Funk Formula 1 (Intro) – 0:32

A2 – The Power Of The One – 4:58

A3 – Slide Eazy – 3:43

A4 – Creepin’ – 4:53

B1 – Jam On – 5:02

B2 – Lips Turn Blue – 4:10

B3 – Funkship Area-51 – 3:59

B4 – Bewise – 4:08

C1 – Soul Not 4 Sale – 5:35

C2 – Club Funkateers – 3:32

C3 – WantMe2Stay – 4:03

C4 – Funktropolis – 4:59

D1 – Wishing Well – 5:35

D2 – Bootsy Off Broadway – 3:22

D3 – Stargate – 6:12

D4 – Stolen Dreams – 3:52