This issue Steve Allsworth looks at the fantastic guitarists who powered Chic, Sister Sledge, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang and plenty more.
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This month I’ll be delving into the much maligned (and perhaps misunderstood) genre of disco funk and three of its most iconic players. The style developed during the thriving nightclub scene of the US in the late 70s, and is perhaps best represented by the infamous Studio 54 in Manhattan. Unlike earlier funk, this music was much more heavily produced, and costly too, with the addition of lush string sections and more complex arrangements. One of the most influential funk guitar players known for this style is Nile Rodgers. Best known for his work with Chic and Sister Sledge, Nile’s incredible career as an artist, producer and writer has seen him sell cumulatively over 100 million albums. The incredible roster of artists in his production back catalogue include Madonna, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Jeff Beck, Duran Duran and Daft Punk. His instantly recognisable style draws upon jazz and R&B, with multi-layered lines that are put together with impeccable feel and timing.
Claydes Charles Smith is not a household name, but his work with the multiple platinum-selling Kool & The Gang was a continuation of the James Brown school of part writing, mixed with a jazz sensibility that drew on influences such as Wes Montgomery and George Benson. His style uses octaves, syncopated single-note lines and choppy partial chords, all of which created the rhythmic backbone of a string of iconic songs spanning early funk, classic 70s disco, and 80s pop.
Al MacKay was part of hit-making legends Earth, Wind & Fire, a band whose music has spanned many different genres including R&B, pop, soul, funk, Latin and, of course, disco. MacKay helped pen such classics such as September and Sing A Song as well as helping to write Best Of My Love for the Emotions alongside Maurice White. His signature style is all about shiny, jangly funk chords and overdubbed single-note lines. These are brought together with a slightly more complex harmonic sensibility and a penchant for effects such as phaser, chorus and digital delay.
NEXT MONTH Next time, in the final part of this series, Steve will be taking a whistle-stop tour all the way from Michael Jackson’s amazing rhythm guitarists to modern day funk exponents such as Cory Wong
TRACK RECORD Our suggested listening covers some of the finest funk and R&B ever recorded. Anything by Chic and Sister Sledge will show the scale of Nile Rodgers’ triumphs, as does his work on Bowie’s Let’s Dance album. All the
