Cane and Able
Cane and Able was an eight-piece funk and soul band formed in Montreal, Canada, blending Caribbean influences with soul, blues, and psychedelic elements. Fronted by vocalist Frenchie Thompson, they released a self-titled album in 1971 that captured their raw, genre-crossing sound.
The group originated in the mid-1960s as a psychedelic outfit before evolving into funk by 1967, when they adopted the name Cane and Able. Their music featured heavy grooves, psych-tinged instrumentation, and Thompson's gritty vocals, drawing from multiple genres for a distinctive Caribbean-soul fusion.
Their sole album, Cane and Able (1971), is a rare funk gem now reissued by labels like Guerssen Records. Tracks showcase biting energy and eclectic vibes, earning cult status among collectors despite limited commercial success.
Cane and Able
Written-By – Frenchie Thompson
8:30
A2 Starchild
Written-By – Bob Welch
5:14
A3 Who's Gonna Take The Weight
Lead Vocals – Blinky Bostic
Written-By – G. Redd
5:25
B1 Don't Knock My Love
Written-By – W. Pickett
7:42
B2 Green Grass
Written-By – W. Pickett
3:32
B3 Toe Hold
Written-By – W. Pickett
3:30
B4 Found A Child
Written-By – J. Walters, L. Rabb
4:28
Label: Epic – EPC 64797
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: France
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Psychedelic, Funk, Soul
Cane & Able (1972) is a highly regarded, rare, 8-piece Canadian funk album, often described as a "lost classic" that blends Caribbean influences, soul, blues, and psychedelia. Featuring vocalist Frenchie Thompson and a strong horn section, it boasts a heavy, energetic sound similar to Sly & The Family Stone, with standout tracks like "Girl You Move Me" and "Who's Gonna Take The Weight".
The album is characterized as "freewheeling," "tripped-out" funk with a heavy, driving, psych-influenced rhythm section and prominent horn arrangements.
Notable tracks mentioned include the opener "Girl You Move Me," a cover of "Who's Gonna Take The Weight," and "Don't Knock My Love".
Recorded after the group signed to Epic and relocated from Canada to the US, the album made a significant impact in France.
It is considered a, "lost funk classic". Originally released in 1972, this album has seen reissues, including Japanese paper sleeve editions. The album has an average rating of 4.52/5 on Discogs.