Manchild feat. Kenny Edmonds (babyface

[visuals]

Do any of you funk-heads out there remember when Face was a member of the hard funk/rock/disco band "Manchild" back in the late 70's-early 80's?
This was a hard hitting 7 or maybe 8 piece funk outfit from Chicago that had it's roots in the vein of such artists as the guitar-heavy (Westbound-era > "Funkadelic", Early "Slave" and sometimes on the slower cuts and ballads, a "Earth,Wind & Fire" vibe. While maybe not quite as polished or distinguished as the aformentioned bands, Manchild definately was a force that was not to be denied it's props. Very dynamic band and sometimes a little too dynamic. The biggest problem I had with the group is whoever was on the mixing board during some of the sessions needs to be wrapped up in Saran and set on fire. Those who know.....Speak on it.

[eddie]

I have the Collectables reiusse of their 2 Lps on Chi-sound and sound it quite interesting. The remastering left much to be desired but I really loved the cut "Especially for you" which was sort of mystical. I always thought the Babyface from 1986-95 came out of nowhere with excellent music. When he worked with the right people, he could outshine other writers. Since then I've turned me back on his last 2 Lps and have no clue as to what audience he is trying to entice.

[visuals]

Eddie: I have that same Chi-Sound set on Collectables & also there is a V/A compilation out there that has a couple of their tracks titled "The Chi-Town Soul Survey" which I have as well. Especially For You" is on both sets. I feel the same way about the remastering but I can remember the original albums having those same issues about sound quality...Thus the reason I made the comment about the mixing board in my earlier post. I agree that "Especially For You" does have a mystical quality to it. This is the track that I refer to in my earlier post where I mention Earth,Wind & Fire as the track puts me in the mind of "Devotion" due to the vocal arrangements.
Other noteworthy tracks are < We Need We, Walk With Me, Don't Get Me Rowdy, Red Hot Daddy (I wonder was this a stab at Funkadelic's "Red Hot Mama") & If You Don't Tell No One. > Just as you mentioned in your post, A lot of people think he started out with "The Deele" and then went solo in 87' with his debut album "Lovers" and took the world by storm with "Tender Lover" in 89'. I liked him during the Deele period and absolutely loved the Tender Lover solo album but he never reached that raw funkiness again that he had with Manchild. (*not to take anything from his current talents and accomplishments)

[eddie]

If you can find it, get the Charly Manchild reissue called Power of love/Feel the phuff. It sounds much clearer with greater separation of instruments.
Note: Collectables just distributes and goes not manufacture their Cds and thus the sound quality may very. Overall Collectables is an exceptional company who I like better than Rhino.

[Disco Funk]

I can't get excited over Manchild. I have that Collectables CD and I find their music is just not appealing. There are so many other funk artists out there from that era that sound way better. Heck, a group like the Mighty Ryeders who only put out one album around the same time as Manchild, sounded 100 times better than Manchild.

Disco Funk

[soulsta]

I have one with all their faces on it. but to me it sounds more rockish. it is totally and this is just my opinion, that it couldn't be associated to any of the other works of babyface including the deele.

[eddie]

Babyface's music is quite eclectic. The post 1996 stuff for me is unrecognizable. He was a guitarist and supporting singer that played more rock/alterative/non-disco type stuff while in Manchild. A couple of Manchild's ballads are solid but the rock influenced stuff, I could take or leave.

There's another current artist who has a varied background: Javier.
The song "Crazy" is a great slowjam but he was involved in Derek Trucks group which is alternative Blues band. There are many different Caucation musicinans surrounding him but it broadens his musical knowledge while perhaps fulfilling personal goals.

George Duke is another music chameleon who is involved in about every different style and aspect you could think of. In the words of Mr. Donny Hathaway, "Everything is everything".

[Paul1970]

Great band. One of my favorites from the 1970's they had a mix of Funk,Rock & Jazz ..

[soulsta]

I agree with eddie about george duke. he has accomplished great success in doing parlaiment type grooves to funk to jazz.

[eddie]

George Duke has a brand new album coming out just this week. It's called In a mellow tone and has mostly jazz standards on it. Again you never know where this guy is coming from but his talent is always above par and unique.