LO'S PICK OF THE DAY - "That's Not Me" by Michael Ruff

-

 


Originally featured in Inside MusiCast

Although I've known the names Michael Ruff and W.G. Snuffy Walden since around 1984, it would be several years before I met either of them. I take that back. . . I did meet both of them when they played a cool hot spot for music in Santa Monica called "At My Place." That would have been in 1985.

How I came to know of these two great gentlemen is from a good friend of mine and schoolmate, phenom keyboardist; Anthony Patler, who had gotten a gig with the Chaka Khan band in 1984. The band also included Jimmy Haslip and Vinnie Colaiuta.

I've followed their careers and have been very proud of their accomplishments in not only their professional lives but personal. My focus on today's pick, is the rockin and soulful playing of the one and only Snuffy Walden.

The thing that has always impressed me of Michael's recordings and performances is what he requires of those in his band. He demands the best from each of them. And they give it - WHILE having a great time!! This song is a "turn it up loud and dance your butt off" tune! The other funky rockers are Jimmy Johnson on bass and Ralph Humphrey on drums.

Snuffy's playing has such a driving groove, that not only does he play the lead but he is adding some crazy percussion to this track with his guitar, that has me on the floor and groovin while trying to type this out.

Snuff's career has been one that has not only included his contributions to rock and funk but he is considered an authority on writing music for television and movies such as "thirtysomething," "The Wonder Years," "Felicity," "The West Wing," "Nashville" and more.

There is a documentary on this cool Kat, called "Up To Snuff," showcasing not only his accomplishments with TV / Film, but what he has done in the music world. This award winning film goes back to where it all began for Snuff - his band The Stray Dogs, Eric Burdon, Stevie Wonder {guitar on "All Day Sucker}, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, AND MORE!!!

Snuff in my opinion is the SHHH!TS!!!! I love this man!!! So full of talent and so humble.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Son of Famed Drummer of Toto Passes Away

-
Image
Miles Porcaro, the son of the late famed drummer; Jeff Porcaro of the band Toto, has passed away at the age of 31. Sharing these photos, Miles' mother, Susan Porcaro Goings took to Facebook this evening to post a beautiful public tribute to her son saying, "My heart is broken. I am devastated. My Miles is gone. He's now in heaven with his Daddy." No explanation was posted as to the cause of his death. Soon after the post, family and friends began to pour in, sharing their grief and condolences to Susan and her family. Unfortunately, the Porcaro family has had their share of grief with the loss of Miles' father, Jeff Porcaro, who passed away at the age of 38 from a heart attack in 1992. Jeff was not only a respected studio musician within the recording industry, but was a founding member of the 1980's rock band Toto, which continues to write, record and tour. Another sad loss within the Porcaro family was Jeff's younger brother and Mile
Read more

LO'S PICK OF THE DAY - "São Paulo" by CHIC

-
Image
Talking about one of my favorite tracks by this wonderful group.  "São Paulo" is the B side of Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah) from Chic's debut album. I loved this song so much that as a teen I wore down the vinyl - which by the way, I still have this 45!  1977 and everybody was into disco! And the top Disco hit was Chic's "Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)" This song was so different than what I had heard on my AM radio station, that I had to have the 45!! After playing "Dance, Dance, Dance" over and over, I wanted more of Chic. I hadn't bought the LP yet but wanted to find out what was on the other side, hoping for something similar.  So one night I decided to flip that 45 over and was just floored by what I was hearing! This song definitely turned my 16-year-old world upside down! It was so fine  - it was so funky, I couldn't believe how great this song was! From the moment that I heard those ocean waves and th
Read more

MUTEMATH Revisits The Sixties with ODD SOUL

-
Image
Well, it's been a long time coming but the date is here. . . the arrival of ODD SOUL by MUTEMATH So many changes have occurred since the release of Armistice in 2009; marriage, babies, LIFE and most of all. . .saying goodbye to a bandmember. As a long time fan of MM, (and just so everyone knows . . . I say "I" am the biggest MM fan!! HA!! 11 years now!!!) ANYWAYS. . . it saddened me to find this out, but it happens. I wish Greg Hill the best! He's a terrific guy!! With the change, a new guy is on board, Todd "Gummy" Gummerman! He is also a terrific guy who truly knows his way with his 6 string electric! It's funny, when MM's EP came out in 2004, it was recorded by 3 of the members of MM. As it is the same with "ODD SOUL." Paul Meany, Roy Mitchell-Cardenas & Darren King have done an amazing job with this project! And Todd is STELLAR in having learned every lick PERFECTLY! The sound is so funkadelic, so 60's, so current and yet, so
Read more