Maceo Parker - Life on Planet Groove [2LP]

Maceo Parker brings the house down on Life on Planet Groove, a 1992 live album that captures the legendary saxophonist doing what he does best, spread across two LPs.

By the early 90s, the man who had powered James Brown's band and George Clinton's P-Funk was finally stepping into the spotlight as a bandleader in his own right. Recorded live in front of a packed, sweaty audience, this set became the record that defined his solo career and introduced his famous two percent jazz, ninety-eight percent funky stuff philosophy.

Joined by fellow James Brown alumni Fred Wesley on trombone and Pee Wee Ellis on saxophone, Maceo leads the band through extended, joyous workouts. "Pass the Peas" is a strutting horn-led party, "Shake Everything You've Got" lives up to its name, and "Soul Power '92" revives a James Brown classic with fresh fire. A slow, smouldering "Georgia On My Mind" gives the night a moment of soulful tenderness.

The grooves are tight, the solos are fiery, and the crowd is with the band every step of the way.

For funk fans, it is an essential live document, and on vinyl it sounds like being right there in the room with the horns blaring.