Rock Candy Funk Party - Groove Is King (CD/DVD) (Released: 2015)

On July 31, funk and jazz band Rock Candy Funk Party (RCFP) will release their sophomore studio album Groove Is King, an aural kaleidoscope that mashes up funk, rock, dance, electronica, jazz and R&B into 14 original tracks and 2 covers full of space, texture, and virtuoso musicianship. Included is a bonus DVD with over 50 minutes of in-studio footage.

Powered by a lineup of world-renowned players, the group came together for the sheer fun of making music—and a mutual love of genre-blurring grooves, they are:  album producer Tal Bergman (drums), Joe Bonamassa (guitar), Ron DeJesus (guitar), and Mike Merritt (bass). 

Groove Is King was recorded at Tal Bergman Studios in Los Angeles, California. Unlike RCFP’s debut album We Want Groove (2013), which tipped its hat to Miles Davis’ classic 1982 live instrumental LP We Want Miles, Groove Is King pulls away from the jazz-funk sounds of the first album into a modern sound, with focused compositions and arrangements and a slick production. “This time around, the concept was less jazz and more modern dance with layered grooves. The rhythm section laid the foundation and then we’d add in strings, synths and an incredible horn section, all while keeping it funky,” says DeJesus.

RCFP grew out of Bergman and DeJesus’ 2007 instrumental album Grooove Vol. 1, and subsequent live dates at L.A.’s storied jazz spot The Baked Potato. They encouraged other musicians to jam with them, including Merritt and Neto, who joined the line-up early on. Bonamassa made his RCFP debut in early 2012 during one of his rare breaks from the road when Bergman—who has toured with the guitarist—invited him to sit in on a pair of gigs. 

Ultimately, the defining influence on Groove Is King’s instrumental soundscape is the interplay between RCFP’s members – which serves as a riveting conversation all its own – and the energy in the studio.

1. Introducing the Master of Ceremonies Mr. Funkadamus
2. Groove Is King
3. Low Tide
4. Uber Station
5. East Village
6. If Six Was Eight
7. Cube’s Brick
8. And now a word from our fine sponsors with Mr. Funkadamus
9. Don’t Be Stingy With The SMPTE
10. C You On The Flip Side
11. Digging In The Dirt
12. Don’t Funk With Me
13. The 6 Train To The Bronx
14. Rock Candy
15. Mr. Funkadamus thanks all the señors but especially the señoritas
16. The Fabulous Tales of Two Bands