Customer Reviews

Dial Maceo

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

First of all, Maceo Parker is a relatively unsung hero of funk. A lot of people can remember, "Hit me Maceo!", but few completely grasp how pervasive his sound as a multidecade dealer of the Funk. Maceo's work with Parliament as a member of the Horny Horns is a key contribution, and his work with the JBS, a spinoff of James Brown's stuff is essential as well. As a solo artist, Maceo's music is more relevant to what's happening in funk then James Brown now that he's lost his core collaborators and can't dance as well.

Maceo's solo work starts with seeing a live show! If you have a chance to spend $19 on this album or spend $60 bucks to see him live, see the man live!!! Maceo live is one of the greatest funk acts around. After you've seen a live show, you probably want to dig one of his solo albums, and "Life On Planet Groove" is definitely the place to start.

And now we're left with Dial M A C E O. "Dial" is Maceo trying to move to the mainstream and broaden his appeal from overseas adulation and hard core funkateers in the states. The result is cleaner more produced horn sound, some smoother funk work and a laundry list of collaborations that don't really work for me. This album to me is like a lesser version of "Funk Overload", which I believe was the album immediately preceding it. You get some funk covers like the Isley's "Work to Do", one of my favorite tracks on the album. You get a novelty funk tune in "Rabbits in a Pea Patch." And you get some smooth Maceo on flute, [not too much flute on Funk Overload, though]. The big change is the Prince covers and I agree with other reviewers; covering Prince stuff is not really Maceo's bag or why I'm into Maceo. Likewise, it's nice that he's trying to bring his son along for the ride as a rapper, but Corey is not a viable solo artist as a rapper and the rhymes don't really add much to the sound.

Personally, I'd give this one two and a half stars and recommend it only to Maceo completists. If you dig Maceo, "Life On Planet Groove" first, than the Roots series of albums if you want his jazzier side, "Funk Overload" if you want the more produced.

Last thing for Maceo fans; check out my other review of Fred Wesley's memoirs "Hit Me Fred" for some perspective on post James Brown/post Parliament JB horns alums. I agree with Fred Wesley that the dissolving of the JB Horns and the resulting Maceo as pure solo artist has not been the best thing for the Funk.

Maceo's still a badass, but he's done a lot better work than this.

--SD

I really enjoyed Dial MACEO. I think it is better than Funk Overload, but not at the level of Roots. This record is funkier than some of Maceo's previous studio recordings and shows off his skills on the alto and the flute. Rabbits in the Pea Patch is a funk classic already in my mind. It has a very funky bassline and some great guitar work to go along with Maceo's horn. The Prince songs are good, in particular Baby Knows. I really like Coin Toss with Ani Difranco. The only problem is that the song is too short. The rest of the tracks are solid with my least favorite being My Baby Loves You with James Taylor. Its not a bad song it just doesn't do much for me. In my opinin, most Maceo fans will enjoy this record very much.

I didn't know what to expect when I bought this album - jazz or funk, instrumental or vocals.

When I popped it in, I was surprised that almost all the songs are incredible! Being a Prince fan, I expected The Greatest Romance Ever Sold and Baby Knows (the hidden track), to be the best of the bunch. But, I was surprised that I enjoyed some of the other songs even more!

If you enjoy funk music, this is a must-have! Maceo even makes James Taylor sound funky!

I am a big fan of Maceo, I like his previous albums more where there is more jazz. This album is almost entirely funk. Lyrics are the same, corny; great music though, I recommend it-- but expect more funk, not jazz.

Certainly Maceo Parker doesn't need any assistance as smoking versions of the Isley Brothers' "Work to Do," the album's opening stuttering funk salvo of the self-composed "Rabbits in the Pea Patch," and "Coin Toss" (DiFranco's track) makes clear. The talented Maceo Parker, who is only slightly less adept at the flute and piano, rips into scorching solos equally as energetic as anything he did with James Brown or George Clinton.
Find more on the website http://www.maceo-parker.com

Ahh! Maceo slays me. The man is amazing. His music can make an instant convert out of anybody. My boyfriend used to nod off when I put on Maceo, but after his live show at Bumbershoot, he's all over it. Maceo, Maceo-- how do I explain? The man has style all over the place. Musically, in person, etc. The Prince song didn't work on the Prince CD, and it doesn't either. It's like tripping over a big ol' crack in the sidewalk of funk and fun here. I was introduced to him because he opened for Ani DiFranco in summer of '99, and he almost outshone the goddess herself! 'Rabbits in the Pea Patch' will have you all over the room, as it is a stand-out. You can find more Maceo on De La Soul's '3 Feet High and Rising', and Ani DiFranco's 'To the Teeth'. Anything he does is good. If possible, see him live. Who else could bring together his son Corey, who has some mad flow skills, Ani, little miss folkie, half of James Brown's greatest band lineup, and Bootsy Collins on one stage? Mr. Maceo Parker. Go! Buy it now!

Maceo's new album, Dial M-A-C-E-O rules! This album really showcases the talent of his band, with p-funk alumni such as Bennie Cowan and Greg Boyer. Rabbits In the Pea Patch really shows off Maceo's stuff. My Baby Loves You, with guest artist James Taylor, is by far the best song on the album. The slower, jazzier songs really kick too! I recommend this album to everybody! Go out and buy it!

Maceo Parker is one of the best saxophone players of all time.He has such a fluid Funky sound that no other sax player has,in my opinion.This album is full of Funk,Jazz and Hip-Hop grooves that will definitely put you in a great mood.He is backed by many Funky musicians as well that make this recording one of his best.

I DIg me Some Maceo parker but I Prefer His Stage Work to His Studio Albums especially of Late.AN Album Like This Say if It were Put out by Kenny G.Would Be Considered Good but From Maceo it's down right Average.Coin Toss&Rabbits In The Pea Patch are Good.The Prince Tracks didn't Work for His Own Album So they are not Happening Here at all.I Wanna Hear Him Rock With Bootsy.He Deserves To Be Showcased Properly.this isn't it.

Maceo is not at his best on this CD. The guest artists do nothing to advance his sound and, at times, make it a whole lot worse.