I'm a huge fan of what some refer to as the 'Underground' scene.
You know, these young artists who - armed with little more than burning passion for their craft - seem to be completely reshaping the UK Urban gospel music landscape (for the better, in my view).
Funky is basically a harder-edged variation of Soulful House,
its potential for mainstream crossover bright in 2009 with its structural
roots in bright melodies and catchy, call-and-response lyrics.
As has been the case in recent years, the UK underground gospel
scene is part of the movement as it happens.
So I thought I'd point you in the direction of my man TP. Chances are
you already know some of TP's music (he's produced for Guvna B
and Karl Nova, just to mention names you're likely to be familiar
with...)
Now TP's quite the talented chap, and - unlike a lot of people that pay
lip service to musical diversity - he actually delivers on a respectable range of musical styles.
His October 2008 selection, currently available to you totally free of charge (full links below) is a nice little 6 track, 31 minute, 15 second Funky House number he's calling Funky Freshh Volume 1.
It's a great Soulful/Funky House selection (I can say that with clear conviction because it's pretty much the only thing I've been listening to on a loop while I've been writing this, and I'm STILL not tired of it!)
Anything that can stand up to 3 or 4 back-to-back plays (that's up to 2 hours!!!) is well worth recommending in my book! So if you're a fan of the House stylings of Masters At Work, Wookie or even our very own Lisa Mayers, this set is going to be right up your street, trust me.
TP says he hasn't got any further plans for this release other than making it available as a free download, but when I come across stuff I like, I get like a dog with a bone. So, watch this space - or more accurately, watch UKGShop.com for developments...
I asked about the intriguing double 'HH' at the end of Fresh (bet you thought that was a typo). TP says: 'it's on purpose... Just to be different'.
He then goes on to add with a cheeky laugh (actually it was a cheeky squiggle by email): 'I know. I'm extra...'
But in this case, being 'Extra' is actually quite a good thing...
Update: since this feature was originally published, TP has released more free music. Details on his MySpace (links below)
Originally published on UKGospel.com Version 1 on 28 October 2008. Edited and republished 15 February 2009
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'ello uncle! Just passing by and catching up on the site...! Loving the new angle on prayer on PG, def. def def it goes a long way in encouraging many folks you guys reach out to daily. Pls keep up the good work - God bless sir.