FSQ’s eternal funk ride lands on Soul Clap Records
Ensemble cast of funk luminaries create magic on infectious concept album
The much-loved Soul Clap Records camp present something genuinely special here, as FSQ return alongside an awe-inspiring list of funk royalty on the 'Reprise Tonight' LP.
Featuring on the album are p-funk originators George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, alongside luminaries including Nona Hendryx, Fonda Rae, Denise King, and Dolette McDonald. The concept album – conceived by Chuck 'Da Fonk' Fishman and the sadly departed Sa’d 'The Hourchild' Ali – tells the story of someone granted the opportunity to have “one last party”, going out in suitable style over the course of a 24-hour swansong.
FSQ (Funk Style Quality) blossomed from a seed planted when Sa'd and Chuck – having met in the '90s as touring members of Parliament-Funkadelic – brainstormed about how to introduce their sound to the dance community. This discussion led to the pair collaborating with Soul Clap, George Clinton and Sly Stone in a historic recording session at LA's Red Bull Studios in 2013, which also introduced them to Grammy-nominated producer G-Koop who would then join the duo to form the fully-fledged FSQ.
As you would expect from the calibre of players involved, the music here is meticulously on-point, masterfully bridging the gap between psychedelic funk, neo-soul and disco, defying timelines as it traverses time and space.
The mythical party adventure begins with the classic feel of title track 'Reprise Tonight' featuring Denise King, a welcoming introduction to the celebratory immersion that lays ahead. Our intoxication increases as we move through the seductive, rolling rhythms of 'Vibe Out Now' before the arrival of George Clinton sees the mood take a turn deep into freaky territory on the deliciously off-kilter 'Dancefloor Democracy'.
The party threatens to peak with as perfectly titled 'The Infinite Reprise' explodes into triumphant delight with horns and strings bursting over marching drums and cymbal crashes. Nona Hendryx joins the fray to usher in the sunrise for the beautifully arranged p-funk of 'Peel Back', then shortly afterwards things get introspective as we consider heading home on the slightly melancholy 'What They Don't Know'.
But we didn't go home, we persevered. It's now '11am', the Sun rose long ago and shades protect our weary eyes. Here we are vibing out at a strangers house as Fonda Rae helps to conjure the spaced-out feeling most of us know too well, as she asks “After 24 hours, can you still call it 'after hours'?”.
Finally, on ‘Reprise Tonight (disco mix)’ we made it home, and the good time memories of a magical 24 hours have left an indelible mark. Sounds echo around our tired minds, the sinister bass vibrates, synths weave and the horns soar as the 808 outro pulses into eternity.
Each track stands alone proudly and each is sure to find it's way into an array of sets and playlists, but this is a collection best enjoyed in a continuous, mesmerising journey. The album is available digitally as well as via an ultra limited vinyl run, so don't sleep on that.
FSQ 'Reprise Tonight' is out July 24 on Soul Clap Records. You can buy it here
Photo credits Bill Kennedy and Jeffers
