Pulp Fusion Vol. 1

I’ve been sitting on some fine compilations for a long time and I’m just getting to it these past few weeks. But every time that I think of someone I want to put up here these comps keep gnawing at me. So, I sit at the PC sometimes listening to a track or two while I do something else, or I listen to them on my commute. All the while trying to think of who else to best spotlight. Rather than fight the obvious, I’m going with the gut instinct.

The Harmless label put the Pulp Fusion comp series out in the mid ninety’s and they’ve (most of them I think) gone OOP. Damn shame because they highlight some of the best get-down funk, soul and jazz ever to be blown out of your fine-ass speakers. They feature highlights of fuel driven statements from the seventies. Not to be missed, are the covers that grace the albums. All look like typical blaxploitation movie promos. A must have if only for the covers, it’s a day we’re doubly blessed for the gifts within. Seven volumes were printed in all and the tracks I’m featuring come from “Vol. 1 Funky Jazz Classics And Original Breaks From The Tough Side”.

Evidence One: Herbie Hancock – Hang Up Your Hang Ups
Right from the get-go this one has you round the hips and neck. Herbie has done some amazing compositions and I have to believe that this one must rank among the elite that are most dear to his breast and heart. Absolutely relentless in the break, and completely jack-jagged between percussion, horn play, funkin’ guitar and ruthless drive. Who else could have kept up with Herbie in the track? None other than The Headhunters of course! This was originally off of Man-Child, the follow-up to “Headhunters” and “Thrust”. Dig deep and enjoy!

Evidence Two: Pucho & His Latin Soul Brothers – Chitterlings Con Carne
This comes in with a madman playing the flute, whose gulping for breath and growling at your ass. Then comes the percussion making it all suave Latin-like and as it gets tighter you get a better perspective of the flute. This is just what you would expect from Pucho what with the fire/ice and uncompromising drumming lying down side by side with a generous helping of soul infused horns. This is maniacal not only in the flute but also in the piano which just will not, and does not, yield to anyone. Right down to the end, you get the fierce gulping for air between phrasings on the flute and you smilingly realize that this cat will not stop until he has had his say. Listen and be glad he spoke up.


Herbie Hancock : Hang Up Your Hang Ups
From: Pulp Fusion Vol. 1 Funky Jazz Classics And Original Breaks From The Tough Side [1997]

Pucho & His Latin Soul Brothers : Chitterlings Con Carne
From: Pulp Fusion Vol. 1 Funky Jazz Classics And Original Breaks From The Tough Side [1997]