By Andy Goetz

King of the Party

Big Sam’s Funky Nation

July 2nd | ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL | NOLA

Dear Big Sam,

You say you’re the king of the party, and I’m inclined to believe you. You took my coat and welcomed me in with the first track on King of the Party, and by “Krunked Up,” I was feeling just that. How did you even come up with the rap/brass/funk fusion concept on that second track? It felt like George Carlin and James Brown crashed your party, along with their friends Andre 3000 and The Black Sheep.
 

As the album rolled out, you slowed the tracks down, then sped them up, creating a helplessly fun listening experience.

You showcased all the best New Orleans party styles, from second-lines to disco jams. In fact, no genre seems too “Hard to Handle” for the Funky Nation.

With Desmond “Chocolate Milk” Williams pounding those drums, the album encourages listeners to “Rage On!” and “Work It.” Masterful trumpet solos by Drew “Da Phessah” Baham packed some powerful punches, especially with Takeshi Shimmura holding down the melodies on guitar and Eric Vogel keeping everything solid on bass.

Y’all make me feel like a VIP at your funky party, especially with your shout-out to my “Big Ole Booty.”

Big Sam’s Funky Nation brings the party back to New Orleans on July 2nd for the Essence Music Festival.

PS: Not really sure what hidden track #17 is all about, but the only drawback to parties at Big Sam's house is that apparently even Tweety Bird is invited.