Ain't It Funky Now: Original Jam Master 1

Grant Green | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 10, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B0008JIHWQ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,435 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Between 1969 and 1973, guitarist Grant Green made a string of albums that not only topped the jazz charts but also hit the Soul and R & B charts. The music he recorded found a new life a decade later when he became one of the most sampled artists in Hip Hop. The grooves he created, most often with Idris Muhammad on drums, have permeated the club scene around the world. And the band he led and the music he played served as a prototype for what is now known as the jam band scene.

These three compilations gather the best and most influential performances of those album. "Ain't That Funky" contains Green's instrumental treatments of hits by James Brown, The Meters, The Isley Brothers and Kool & The Gang among others. "For The Funk Of It" collects the most popular funk originals by Grant and his band. "Mellow Madness" draws groove-based performances on tunes by Herbie Hancock, Donald Byrd and Lennon & McCartney among others.

Together, these collections sum up a great artist at the peak of his popularity with the essential tracks that remain a strong part of the musical landscape to this day.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best., October 10, 2005

By 

Tyrone Slothrop (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ain't It Funky Now: Original Jam Master 1 (Audio CD)

The second track off this compilation, Ease Back, is in my opinion one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. This is a terrific sampling of the great-godfather of music. For a mellower mood, check out Green's album "I want to hold your hand," which has some of the best jazz organ around. Beautiful album.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is 'Funky', April 4, 2006

By 

Sherman L. Dantzler "JazzeOne Production" (Grand Blanc, MI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ain't It Funky Now: Original Jam Master 1 (Audio CD)

Back in the day when music was considered upbeat, it was said to be `Funky' (a slick heavy beat that is both contemporary and irresistible). That is how the JazzeOne describes this compilation of Grant Green tunes. Original Jam Master, volume one brings back memories of the previous releases: `Grant Green Alive', `Green is Beautiful', `Visions', `Shades of Green', `Carryin On' and 'Live at the Lighthouse'. Many evenings all one could do was put on one of these albums, sit back and 'Let the Music take Your Mind'. You will see why after listening to this project. Starting with James Brown's `Ain't it Funky Now' and medley of `I don't want nobody to give me nothing (Open Up the Door I'll Get it Myself)/Cold Sweat', the mood is funk fantastic. Grant gets real funky with the Isley Brothers `Its Your Thing' and the Meters `Ease Back'. Lastly on his rendition of the Stylistics `Betcha by Golly Wow', the band eases off the funk with a smooth groove. This is a historically cool, smooth and funk Jazz collaboration (1969-1972) wrapped up into one memorable Grant Green compilation. Whether you are experiencing this great Jazz guitarist for the first time or you are a long time Green-O-Phile, you will be stomping your feet and nodding your head to this CD, it is 'Funky'! ~the JazzeOne

4.0 out of 5 stars I love Grant Greens funky period, July 17, 2011

By 

Bill Zumwalt "kingsnake" (ATX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ain't It Funky Now: Original Jam Master 1 (Audio CD)

This one is not for the Jazz snob. It is funky, sometimes hypnotic and trance like grooves. I love this stuff.