Leonard Smalls

Say What! - Trouble Funk

Idles best so far for me... They were an object lesson in how to do a proper rockin' show.

When I was in London I used to use this guy: https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/register-search/registrants/4161-mr-lazarus-nono/?county=london&county=london He was excellent - specialised in ballet and performance related problems but did an excellent job on my more climbing related injuries...

Aah, The Name is Bootsy, Baby - Bootsy's Rubber Band

For a change mine was a cover! We did the Dead Kennedys "Moon Over Marin" with Raph on CopyBass and me adding a Magazine "Song From Under The Floorboards" feel. This was at Percy's, Whitchurch. And he played his Squire Jazz through Sansamp and Trace Elf into Bitsa 4x10 cab, I used my ACG Recurve into Helix with a very slightly overdriven and heavily compressed and gated patch into ancient Marshall Jubilee head and huge Mesa 2x15 cab. Worked surprisingly well.

No Name On The Bullet - Sly and Robbie

The fee barely covers fuel! But we feel it's worth playing there as it's a place worthy of support. They put on bands 2 or 3 nights a week, up to 3 at a time in all genres, it's free to get in, they've got a brilliant soundman and I think grass-roots venues like this deserve every break they can get! As we don't do it for the money - it's effectively a hobby - we're happy to do that. It's not as if they're charging on the door, then charging loads for food and drink then underpaying the bands; they also support foreign touring bands too with free accommodation. I'm happy to play there for a fifth time as well if they they want us...

Had a blast at the excellent Percy's in Whitchurch, Shropshire. Turned out we were headlining, which meant late bed for this old codger - I'd been hoping to be home by ten 😁 First up we had Taser Puppets - 3 piece with and early Velvets sound. Good stuff! Then, the Spontanes - they had a couple of ex-members of foul-mouthed punks The Macc Lads; they did a set of punk covers of 50s and 60s stuff. They were seriously tight with great arrangements, plus plenty of dirty jokes from Muttley. Then we were on. Not only that but we were also tight as, with nary a mistake and though I say it myself, we smashed it. And the sound-man there is awesome - couldn't ask for much better, no feedback, no mush, everything clear as a bell with heft, oomph, thwack in boatloads. I used my ACG Recurve into Helix and my old Marshall Jubilee amp with the venue's brilliant and enormous Mesa 2x15. Very happy with that!

Choked... We're with The Spontanes (ex-Macc lads) tonight.

Many of the bands I like deliver a show - in funk The Show is a big part of it! But I'd much rather watch a PFunk Show as it's the music that's at the forefront, not backing dancers and backing tracks...

Excellent place! We're playing there tonight...

Enjoyed Squid... But not Dua Lipa's pop-dance-fest. I always find it a bit worrying when there's more (choreographed) dancers on stage than musicians - it's no longer about the music, if it ever was! Idles always great too. Shall peruse more when relaxing with a nice Penderyn after my gig tonight.

I can't stand the rain - Eruption

Make it Funky - James Brown

Surfin Bird - The Cramps

Saddle Up - David Christie

No worries! There's this one too, but a touch further... At a proper "Arts" venue too!

Nappy Hour - Free Form Funky Freqs (*) * featuring Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Vernon Reid!

Down in the Sewer - Stranglers

Lucky Umbra - Lene Lovich

All that glitters is not gold - Death in Vegas

Jesus Built My Hotrod - Ministry

I asked for a covers set for a funk band influenced by early 80s goth - this would be a surprisingly interesting one! Set List "Let's Dance" - David Bowie Duration: 4:08 This classic track has a danceable groove and Bowie's distinctive style, making it a perfect opener. "She Sells Sanctuary" - The Cult Duration: 4:23 This song’s driving beat and ethereal guitar work align well with both funk and goth influences. "Superstition" - Stevie Wonder Duration: 4:26 While primarily a funk song, its dark, superstitious themes give it a subtle goth edge. "Bela Lugosi's Dead" - Bauhaus Duration: 9:36 An iconic goth track with a minimalist, hypnotic groove. Perfect for a darker, extended jam session. "White Lines" - Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five Duration: 7:25 Funky and rhythmic, with a darker, cautionary lyrical theme that complements the goth vibe. "Personal Jesus" - Depeche Mode Duration: 4:56 A synth-heavy track with a strong beat and dark, introspective lyrics. "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)" - Parliament Duration: 5:48 Pure funk energy with a darker edge, ensuring the set maintains a strong groove. "Love Will Tear Us Apart" - Joy Division Duration: 3:27 A melancholic yet rhythmic track that bridges the gap between funk and goth influences perfectly.

Car Trouble - Adam and the Ants

Pass the peas - James Brown JBs