I doubt it as shown by the grammy award winning film 'Standing in the shadows of Motown' nobody knew who The Funk Bros were. Yet they were the guys who made the Motown sound, they played on every hit and every non-hit in one way or another throughout the golden period of Motown.
We arrived at The Apollo bright and early, we being myself, Neil Jones and Jayne Malone. We were met by a que halfway round the building no suprise really considering the concert had been a sell-out from the word go. Although the general public may not know who these heroes of music are the small minority definitely knew.
It was already packed inside the venue with well over 45 minutes to go until show time. We took our seats, which infact were some of the best in the house second row to be exact. Cheers Jayne!
The time flew and the anticipation grew until the lights went down and these immortal words were uttered.
"In 1959, Berry Gordy gathered the best musicians from Detroit's thriving jazz and blues scene to begin cutting songs for his new record company. Over a fourteen year period they were the heartbeat on "My Girl," "Bernadette," I Was Made to Love Her," and every other hit from Motown's Detroit era.
By the end of their phenomenal run, this unheralded group of musicians had played on more number one hits than the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, Elvis and the Beatles combined - which makes them the greatest hit machine in the history of popular music. Ladies & Gentleman THE FUNK BROTHERS"
The words that had given the film such an inspirational opening did nothing less on the UK audience. As the applause started The Funk Bros walked out onto stage in Blue suits with Black shirts, as they took their places a hush spread over the audience until that legendary rhythm section kicked in. It was party time and Manchester knew it.
The guys launched into 'Uptight' lead by fantastic Philadelphia vocalist Johnny Ingram. Without stopping for breath it was into 'Reach out i'll be there' once again led by the highly impressive Johnny Ingram. What a start it was evident after these two numbers that after 45 years together the remaining Funk Bros still had the magic that turned a converted house on West Grand Boulevard, Detroit into the Music focal point of the world.
After the opening two numbers Jack Ashford stepped forward to the mic and introduced us to our other main guest vocalist for the night. "This girl was the main back up singer on all of Gamble & Huffs major Philadelphia productions and y'know I think im falling in love with her, please welcome Carla Benson." Well Jack its quite understandable when you hear a voice like Carla has.
She took the mic and when't straight into fantastic renditions of 'My baby loves me' and 'Heatwave'. By the end of these two numbers it felt like The Apollo was in the middle of its own Heatwave and all thoughts of the cold bleak winter outside had been replaced with it.
Unfortunately when coming inside to the venue we were met with notices informing us of the fact that due to scheduling problems Issac Hayes would not be appearing taking his place would be Billy Preston. Billy a guy who I had never seen perform before walked onto stage sat behind the piano and asked the question "You all having fun?" As if he needed to ask. He performed three numbers those being 'Pride & Joy', 'Aint to proud to beg' and 'Higher & Higher' a well received performance from Billy saw him leave the stage and once again the mic was in the hands of Jack Ashford who seemed to be master of ceremonies along with Alann Slutsky for the evening.
After 'Higher & Higher' Jack recounted the story behind that record. "James Jamerson and Richard 'Pistol' Allen got a call from brunswick records for them and the rest of The Funk Bros to cut a track for Jackie Wilson. We got together after playing at Motown in the day and travelled upto Chicago.
Alan Slutsky then took up the story "After playing on the track the guys waited to get paid, and got a call from Berry wanting them back at Hitsville that instant. So the guys travelled all the way back to Detroit without being paid, later that night they travelled back to Chicago and finnaly got paid the pricely sum of $66.50."
Jack cuts in "But yeah its a lot better now, its $67.50 now"
Carla Benson walked back on stage and gave one of the most magical renditions of 'What becomes of the broken hearted' I have ever heard and without stopping for breathh she launched into "Baby I need your loving." After that Johnny Ingram stepped forward for the last number of the first part of the show. That number being The Spinners classic 'Its a shame'.
After that it was interval time or so I thought (think again Sean! there was a little bit of magic left before the break)
Jack Ashford stepped forward with what seemed to be a rubber chicken in his hand "This is our mascot", "Do you know why this is our mascot?" "A long time ago when Norman Whitfield was producing hit after hit on groups such as The Temptations, he said The Funk Bros were so hot you could throw a chicken into the studio and The Funk Bros would make it into a hit." Well after the way you guys played tonight Jack it's easy to see why Norman made that great assumption.
Jack took up the rest of the story. "But Berry Gordy didn't like Chickens he liked Chicks" Johnny ingram cut in "Are there any Chicks in the audience tonight?" After a rapturous "yes" from the Manchester crowd, Johnny turned and made the comment to the group "Were in luck tonight guys"
After that those immortal guitar licks made so famous by Robert White came in and everyone was up. Johnny Ingram asked the audience "Where are these Chicks we need you on stage." Before the words had left his lips I had a camera thrusted into my hand with the words straying into my ear "Get some pictures" and before I knew it Neil Jones was singing "Ive got sunshine on a cloudy day" I turned to look at Jayne and saw her head in her hands the poor thing having to take an embarasment like that everywhere she goes. Only joking mate and guess what David Ruffin doesn't have a patch on your Warrington rendition of 'My Girl' (as if!)
So after a load of laughs, bad dances and criminal singing it was interval time and Neil headed up to the Bar either to bask in the glory of singing with The Funk Bros or hiding in the corner hoping no one had noticed. I know which one it was and well done to you mate you're one lucky man.
After a fifteen minute break the lights went down and the guys stepped back on stage now with a change of uniform from Blue suits to Red suits. Johnny Ingram carried on were he had left of this time with 'For once in my life'. Jack Ashford stepped back to the mic "I used to buy this guys records back in the U.S, ladies and gentlemen there's a legend in the house. Give it up for Steve Winwood!"
Steve sat behind the piano and launched into great renditions of 'How sweet it is' and 'Shotgun'. A great performance by Steve Winwood which seemed to be well received by the Manchester crowd. Carla also with a change of clothes stepped up to the mic and gave another unbelievable performance this time her rendition of 'Heard it through the grapevine'.