Ken Munson – Fly Robin Fly Pts 1&2
Ken Munson
Listen/Download – Ken Munson – Fly Robin Fly Pt1
Listen/Download – Ken Munson – Fly Robin Fly Pt2
Greetings all.
I hope the new week finds you all well.
The tune I bring you today is something I tracked down in my seemingly never ending search for funky flute forty-fives (never have to look far for alliteration…).
Ken Munson has appeared in this space a few times, with tracks from his modestly named 1973 ‘Super Flute’ LP.
Despite trying, I have never been able to track down anything but circumstantial evidence that would illuminate the history of Mr. Munson.
The two non-LP 45s I have seem to indicate that he worked in the New York metropolitan area, but other than that, not much comes up.
If you recall Funky16Corners Radio v.87- Wind of Change, you’ll already know I dig the sound of the flute, especially when utilized in a jazz or funk setting. This is certainly an acquired tast, but it should already be obvious that I have acquired it.
Today’s selection is a cover of the 1975 hit by the Silver Convention. The Munich, Germany based disco group (basically producers Silvester Levay and Michael Kunze) had hits with both ‘Fly Robin Fly’ and ‘Get Up and Boogie’, both of which have a certain, oddly laid back (I say oddly because these were dance records) feel that is at once very ‘70s’, and also a little bit disconcerting. Perhaps they were tapping into some kind of Quaalude consciousness, but one expects a certain amount of propulsion in a record intended for the dancefloor.
Ken Munson remedies this by pushing up the tempo a little bit, as well as dialing up the funk just a tad. The addition of brass that doubles the flute leads, as well as some groovy electric piano (I’d love to know who the pianist is) and guitar add some soul jazz flavor as well.
Make sure you stick around for Part 2, since there’s a cool flute/drum breakdown where Munson really tears it up.
I hope you dig it, and I’ll be back on Wednesday with something cool.
Peace
Larry
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Themocracy
YEaaaaah! Nice tracks for a sunday morning. Rocking.
Nice track but the flute is tuned sharp, which is kind of grating.
Great stuff – there’s also a top reggae version of this by Derrick Harriott with lovely strings floating over a great bassline