The Fatback Band
The Fatback Band, also known simply as Fatback, was formed in New York City in 1970. It was the brainchild of Bill "Fatback" Curtis, an accomplished session drummer who envisioned a group that could merge various musical styles, particularly funk and R&B. The band's name, "Fatback," refers to a style of funky, heavy bass rhythms that they aimed to embody in their music.
The Fatback Band is recognized for its dynamic sound that evolved over the years. Initially rooted in street funk, they incorporated elements of disco and R&B into their music by the late 1970s. This hybridization allowed them to gain wider appeal, especially during the disco era, leading them to release a series of successful albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Their music not only showcased infectious grooves but also highlighted their versatility as a band.
The band is credited with pushing the boundaries of funk music, contributing significantly to the development of hip-hop and dance music. Over their career, they released over thirty-five albums, a testament to their prolific nature and dedication to crafting engaging music. Some of their notable albums include "The Fatback Band," "Is Back," and "Hot Box," which featured hit tracks that remained influential in various musical genres.
The Fatback Band's influence extends beyond their own recordings, having laid the groundwork for future artists in the funk and hip-hop genres. They have been recognized as pioneers within the music industry, earning respect and admiration from both fans and fellow musicians alike. Their ability to adapt and evolve their sound has allowed them to remain relevant in the music scene for decades, continuing to perform and record into the 2020s.
In summary, the Fatback Band is a remarkable ensemble with a rich history characterized by innovation in funk and disco music, distinguished by their contributions to the genres and their lasting impact on the music landscape.
Is This The Future?
Written-By – Gerry Thomas
6:12
A2 Double Love Affair
Backing Vocals – Linda Blakely, Robin Dunn
Written-By – Johnny Flippin, Michael Walker
4:58
A3 Spread Love
Written-By – Evelyn Thomas, Gerry Thomas
6:32
A4 Funky Aerobics (Body Movement)
Backing Vocals – Carole Sylvan
Written-By – Bill Curtis
3:57
B1 Up Against The Wall
Written-By – Bill Curtis, Maureen Reid
5:20
B2 Finger Lickin' Good
Written-By – Gerry Thomas, Linda Blakely
5:14
B3 Sunshine Lady
Guitar – Deborah Knapp
Written-By – Johnny Flippin, Michael Walker
4:54
B4 The Girl Is Fine (So Fine)
Written-By – Bill Curtis, Gerry Thomas
5:52
Label: Spring Records – SP-1-6738
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Electro, Disco, Funk
Fatback 's 1983 album, Is This The Future?, is a seminal Electro-Funk/Disco record known for its futuristic sound, blending live instruments with drum machines and synthesizers (Moog, Roland), featuring rap verses (Gerry Bledsoe), powerful percussion, and catchy tracks like the title track and "Funky Aerobics," exploring themes of modern life and societal shifts through danceable, electronic grooves.
The album is characterized as a mix of Electronic, Funk, and Soul, featuring prominent use of drum machines and synthesizers. It was produced by band leader Bill Curtis and keyboardist Gerry Thomas, the latter of whom is noted for his influential "Moog stylings" throughout the record.
The title track is known for its socially conscious lyrics, addressing economic hardships of the Reagan era, such as rising interest rates and unemployment, with lines like "used to eat steaks and caviar, now it's peanut butter in a candy bar".
The album features a mix of singing and early hip-hop influences, including a rap by Bledsoe that helped align the band with the burgeoning rap scene.
Is This The Future? solidified Fatback's role in the emerging electronic dance music scene, showcasing their ability to innovate within funk while embracing new technologies.
Yum Yum
Arranged By – J. King
Written-By – J. King
4:04
A2 Trompin'
Arranged By – G. Thomas
Written-By – B. Curtis, G. Thomas
3:55
A3 Let The Drums Speak
Arranged By – B. Curtis
Written-By – Curtis, Williams, Thomas, Flippin, King, Cornwell
3:57
A4 Put The Funk On You
Arranged By – B. Curtis
Written-By – B. Curtis
3:09
A5 Feed Me Your Love
Arranged By – J. Flippin
Written-By – J. Flippin
3:48
B1 Boogie With Fatback
Arranged By – G. Thomas
Written-By – Curtis, Gibson, Thomas
4:45
B2 Gotta Learn How To Dance
Arranged By – R. Cornwell
Written-By – B. Curtis, R. Cornwell
3:45
B3 If You Could Turn Into Me
Arranged By – G. Thomas
Written-By – Chisholm, Curtis, Gibson, Thomas
4:11
B4 (Hey) I Feel Real Good
Arranged By – G. Thomas
Written-By – D. Gibson, G. Thomas
6:03
Label: Event Records Inc. – EV 6904
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco, Funk
The Fatback Band's 1975 album Yum Yum is a cult classic funk/early disco record praised for its infectious grooves, heavy bass, tight drumming, and party atmosphere, bridging classic funk with emerging disco sounds, featuring standout tracks like the title track "Yum Yum (Gimme Some)," "Let the Drums Speak," and "Put the Funk on You". Critics highlight its blend of raw funk energy with polished production, making it essential for funk fans and a key stepping stone into disco for the prolific band.
It marks Fatback's smooth transition from pure funk to disco, incorporating four-on-the-floor beats without losing its funk core, and features signature booming bass, sharp horns, killer drum breaks (especially on "Let the Drums Speak"), and prominent clavinet.
Standout Tracks:
"Yum Yum (Gimme Some)": A heavy funk workout and moderate hit, known for its catchy bass and brass.
"Let the Drums Speak": A proto-disco track with a memorable melodic motif, building from hard funk to dance floor filler.
"Put the Funk on You": Praised for thick bass, loping drums, wah-wah guitars, and a raw street feel.
"Boogie With Fatback": A smooth, polished dancefloor groove.
A highly sought-after "rare groove" album, celebrated for its timeless, funky sound that remains fresh. It delivers a strong "party vibe" and "celebration" with raw, energetic arrangements typical of their earlier work.
Fans and critics call it a "FAT BLACK FUNK CLASSIC" and a "timeless classic Funk BANGER". It's considered a must-have for soul and funk enthusiasts.
While some tracks lean into disco's polish, the album's funky heart, led by drummer Bill Curtis, shines through.