Funk Brothers Music

Music from the movie where the guys finally get their recognition. Feel good, sing along, and bonus tracks too!

Present day music does not compare to the Motown sound. I want to say to the artist, backup singers, the writers and to those amazing mmembers of the " Funk Brothers " thank you for the music of my youth.


Robert Attwood

Sure, everybody's heard of the Supremes, the Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and Stevie Wonder. But few were aware of the Funk Brothers until the outstanding documentary Standing In The Shadows of Motown came out in 2002. The Funk Brothers were Motown's house band from 1959 to 1972, when the label relocated from Detroit to LA. Studio musicians weren't credited on Motown releases until 1971 (many other pioneering studio musicians and backup singers remain in the shadows of Motown), although the Funk Brothers' unique sound graced all of Motown's pivotal hits such as My Guy, Stevie Wonder's Signed, Sealed, Delivered and Heat Wave.

The first disc (and only disc on the standard soundtrack) contains modern recordings of Motown standards such as a smoldering Motown-worthy Heat Wave (Joan Osborne) and soul luminaries Meshell Ndegeocello (You've Really Got A Hold on Me), Gerald Levert (Reach Out), Ben Harper (Ain't Too Proud To Beg, Heard It Through The Grapevine), and Chaka Khan (What's Going On, Ain't No Mountain High Enough).

On Standing In The Shadows of Motown (deluxe edition), we're given the chance to hear the Funk Brothers' genius unimpeded, since the second disc contains the backing tracks (My Girl, For Once In My Life, I Second That Emotion) with the vocals stripped. The tight interplay of guitar, organ, piano and drums would define the sound of a generation, and it's much easier to appreciate it on its own merits (check out the tight bongo solo and bass punch on Standing in the Shadows of Love, or the studio banter on Love Is Like an Itching In My Heart). Short snippets of dialogue from Funk Brothers members and Motown musicians / writers round out the offerings.

Though the original band lineup changed frequently (several musicians suffered early deaths, including Benny Benjamin (drums), the Funk Brothers sound went on to back Motown's greatest hits, and it's about time that such an important element in the Motown formula is finally receiving the recognition they so greatly deserve, albeit too little, too late since most of the original Funk Brothers have gone to that great jam session in the sky.

Tons of great tracks updated with great contemporary signers - dosen't get much better than this...

Being a music lover and an musician, this 2 disc set was too good to pass up. Growing up in the 60's & 70's, I always knew this music was more intricate underneath than it's beautiful heartfelt melodies would imply.

I played in many bands over the past 30+ years and I have been praised by many for my ability to improvise, but I'm glad in my younger days, I wasn't aware of what was going on underneath those Motown soulful vocals...if I had, I may have never touched my bass again! James Jamerson is the kind of bassist that makes even the best players feel humbled.

This 2 disc set is packed with the Funk Brothers classic tracks with famous singers stepping in, showing it's the band that's the star on these tracks and anybody with a voice can sound good singing this stuff! As a bonus, these discs also feature some bass tracks from some of Jamerson's most memorable tunes. This is money well spent for any bass player wanting to improve their game or any music lover who wants a deeper understanding of this incredible timeless music! It's also a great listen too!

I recommend you buy this along with the 2 disc DVD Standing in the Shadows of Motown. It's a fascinating bio and there is plenty of great recorded music on it as well!

If you watch nothing else watch and listen to Joan Osborn absolutely "nail" Broken Hearted.

This is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen, musical or otherwise. (I admit to a strong bias, growing up madly in love with the music these gentlemen produced.) The historic, biographical, and concert footage here assembled brings these long-unsung musical powerhouses the recognition they richly deserve. Collectively, the Funk Brothers affected the course of American and British popular music every bit as much as did the Beatles, the Stones, or Elvis -- in fact, they directly influenced all three. Come meet the geniuses behind the Motown Sound, and watch them play in concert with undiminished power behind some of today's leading artists. This documentary is a labor of love, and the love clearly shines through. Highly recommended.

First off, let me say that musically I WAS stuck in the 60's and 70's. I've never paid much attention to anything after that period. Watching and listening to the wonderful performances on this DVD really opened my eyes and ears to a whole generation of new artists , but I digress, I think the main point of this production, telling the story of a wonderful and obviously, extremely talented group of musicians who never received their due is beautifully done. Listening to the recollections of these "unsung musical heroes" was very bittersweet for me, I can't imagine how overlooked and used they must have felt. Hopefully this story generated some interest and work for them. Well worth adding to your collection and this is one disc that will make you home theater system shine!!

I heard of them, but never knew the real story. This is really spectacular stuff. The groove these guys have is awesome! There recognition was long overdue!! Respect, respect. If you want to see the guys in action, buy the dvd "live in Orlanda" That is even more swinging!!

There is a lot of well kept secret in this world and "Standing In The Shadow Of Motown" is one of them. This biography of Motown should be in all households, that is, all fans of the Motown Sound. Five Stars.

Stax was an early 60s and 70s company that produced a blues sound comparible with early southern blues and featured artists who are legends and some who are relatively unknown. Albert King was the leading light and the best tracks are 'Tupelo' with Albert King, Steve Cropper and Pop Staples ( a great moody offering), the classic 'Drowning on dry land' and 'Cold Sweat' a burning instrumental. Others good tracks are: 'Doin' my own thing' by Johnie Taylor, 'Slow and easy' by John Lee Hooker, 'Rock My Baby' by Mighty Joe Hicks, 'Steal away' by Jonnie Taylor and 'Your the one' by Jimmy McCracklin'. The album is memorable rather than great but interesting to good for early blues enthusiasts.

Stax was an early 60s and 70s company that produced a blues sound comparible with early southern blues and featured artists who are legends and some who are relatively unknown. Albert King was the leading light and the best tracks are 'Tupelo' with Albert King, Steve Cropper and Pop Staples ( a great moody offering), the classic 'Drowning on dry land' and 'Cold Sweat' a burning instrumental. Others good tracks are: 'Doin' my own thing' by Johnie Taylor, 'Slow and easy' by John Lee Hooker, 'Rock My Baby' by Mighty Joe Hicks, 'Steal away' by Jonnie Taylor and 'Your the one' by Jimmy McCracklin'. The album is memorable rather than great but interesting to good for early blues enthusiasts.

Stax was an early 60s and 70s company that produced a blues sound comparible with early southern blues and featured artists who are legends and some who are relatively unknown. Albert King was the leading light and the best tracks are 'Tupelo' with Albert King, Steve Cropper and Pop Staples ( a great moody offering), the classic 'Drowning on dry land' and 'Cold Sweat' a burning instrumental. Others good tracks are: 'Doin' my own thing' by Johnie Taylor, 'Slow and easy' by John Lee Hooker, 'Rock My Baby' by Mighty Joe Hicks, 'Steal away' by Jonnie Taylor and 'Your the one' by Jimmy McCracklin'. The album is memorable rather than great but interesting to good for early blues enthusiasts.