Funk Rock legend Bootsy Collins returns with his first new studio album since 2011’s Tha Funk Capital of the World.
World Wide Funk was recorded at Bootsy Collins’ Bootzilla Re-hab studio in Cinncinatti, Ohio. For this record, the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer rounded up a whole raft of his friends from across a wide spectrum of musical genres. Almost every track on the record features one or more guests from this uber-talented ensemble, who each add their own distinctive touch to Worldwide Funk.
The title track itself really sets the scene for the rest of the record. The song is underpinned by Collins’ distinctive bass-heavy groove and accentuated by both the funky guitar riffs of former Guns N Roses axeman Buckethead, and the freestyle skills of the rapper of Doug E Fresh.
The likes of Bootsy’s rather feisty singles “Hot Saucer” and “Ladies Night” have a really fresh contemporary RnB sound, which makes you want to move. Each of these tracks would sit equally as well on mainstream radio as they would on the club dancefloor.
Joined by his esteemed counterparts Victor Wooten, Stanley Clarke and Manou Gallo the four string quartet delivers a mind-blowingly funky collaboration during “Bass-Rigged-System”. Each artist taking their moment in the spotlight during a uniquely brilliant bass conversation.
On the other hand, “Heaven Yes” stands out from the rest with a much more slower, soulful and emotively heartfelt number which is typified by its somber keyboard intro.
Collins pays tribute to his former Parliament-Funkadelic bandmate Bernie Worrell with his posthumous showcase “A Salute To Bernie” during which the pair comes together to share a moment one last time. Worrell’s keyboard parts were sourced by Bootsy from recordings made prior to his passing in 2016.
Keeping things in the P-Funk family, Bootsy collaborates with his former Funkadelic bandmate – drummer Dennis Chambers on the track “Come Back Bootsy”, with the pair holding down a rather elite rhythm section. The track also features some searing guitar licks from the legendary Eric Gales.
World Wide Funk is rounded out with a funk rock/hip-hop fusion number titled “Illusions”, which is kind of in the same vein as Jay-Z’s crossover with Linkin Park on Collision Course or Public Enemy featuring Anthrax on “Bring The Noise”. The track is arguably the heaviest number on the record, largely due to the edgy fuzz-fueled guitar riffs laid down by Buckethead. Hip-hop legend Chuck D of Public Enemy and the BlvckSeeds add their lyrical prowess into this musical melting pot of sounds.
Of course, World Wide Funk is the latest chapter in Bootsy’s life-long dedication to the One, and that distinctive funky flavour which his fans have come to know and love throughout his career is loud and strong on this record. However, at the same time with this album, Bootsy Collins has pushed his creative boundaries to come up with a contemporary funk-rock record which covers a vast musical landscape including elements of soul, hip-hop, and RnB. World Wide Funk truly is a delight to listen to for die-hard Bootsy Collins/P-Funk fans, or music lovers alike.
World Wide Funk by Bootsy Collins will be released on Friday 27th October via Mascot Label Group.