Maceo And All The King’s Men
Maceo And All The King’s Men was a funk band formed in 1970 by saxophonist Maceo Parker and key members of James Brown's band who left due to frustrations over treatment and recognition. The group, including Parker's brother Melvin on drums and others like "Sweet" Charles Sherrell, toured independently for about two years, emphasizing funky jazz and soul.
The band emerged in March 1970 when Parker, Melvin, and seven other Brown musicians walked out after years of playing on hits like "Cold Sweat" and "Funky Drummer." Parker sought creative freedom, stating he needed to "do [his] own thing" beyond Brown's experimental detours. They drew from their James Brown experience, blending tight rhythms with Parker's signature saxophone leads.
Their debut album, Doing Their Own Thing (1970, House of the Fox), featured tracks like "Got To Get 'Cha" and "Funky Women." A second release, Funky Music Machine (1972, Excello), captured their live energy before disbanding in May 1972. Members later rejoined Brown's J.B.'s or pursued other projects like P-Funk.
Doing Their Own Thing
A2 Got To Getcha 2:46
A3 Southwick 3:25
A4 Funky Women 5:31
B1 Shake It Baby (Keep On Shakin It) 2:10
B2 Better Half 5:00
B3 Don't Waste This World Away 6:17
B4 Mag-Poo 3:16
B5 (I Remember) Mr. Banks 5:27
Label: House Of The Fox – HOF-LP-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Funk
Maceo And All The King's Men – Doing Their Own Thing (1970) is a highly acclaimed funk/soul gem, praised for its raw energy, tight grooves, killer horn arrangements by Maceo Parker, and a sound bridging James Brown's funk with jazzier, Tower of Power-esque vibes, considered a must-have for funk fans despite James Brown allegedly blackballing it initially.
Reviewers highlight its impressive musicianship, powerful rhythm section (especially the kick drum), and standout tracks like "Funky Women" and "Got to Getcha," offering a vibrant, instrumental brew that's both danceable and sophisticated.
The album is a perfect blend of hard funk, soul, blues, and jazz, capturing a unique moment as the band explored their own sound away from James Brown's direct influence.
It features Maceo Parker's signature, fiery saxophone work, backed by a tight combo featuring many of James Brown's former band members.
The album is known for its deep grooves, rumbling bass, and punchy horns, with exceptional drumming and overall musicianship.
Often called a "brilliant" album from start to finish, a "dynamite" record, and one of the best funk albums ever, it gained cult classic status partly because it was reportedly suppressed by James Brown upon release, making its discovery a treat for funk enthusiasts.
In essence, Doing Their Own Thing is celebrated as a vital early-70s funk record showcasing incredible talent and capturing a powerful, independent spirit.