Pure Essence is another of SoulCal’s library of deep, original Funk from the golden eras, along with tracks like C. Henry Woods Troupes’ “The Stranger”.
Dig “Wake Up”:
An extremely innovative Funk band from the 1970s, Pure Essence’s drummer was Antonio Reid, also known as L.A. Reid (@LA_Reid), the current chairman and CEO of Epic Records.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that he’s behind the Ill, Funky, and Soulful drum lines on Pure Essence tracks.
Among many top shotters and No. 1 hits, Reid was behind Outkast’s double LP “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below”, which is a personal favorite and is framed on the Breakroom wall. That album was home to Bboy Smash “Ghetto Musick“.
Some background from Pure Essence Music:
Pure Essence was one of the most creative and progressive bands in the Midwest during the 70′s.Their shows are legendary in the Cincinnati area known for it’s place in funk history.They would start their shows laid back with a funky eastern vibe as lead singer Jerome Richmond(aka MOUSE) would talk and sing to the audience. Larry Middleton who some say has one of the best tenor voices since Marvin Gaye would take over the lead vocals and take the funk a step higher. With the power of master bassist Kevin Roberson lock in with funky drummer Antonio Reid (aka LA Reid) along with Steve Tucker(aka Tuck) wah guitar and Larry’s rhythm guitar they would burn the house down. Later keyboard player Toby Rivers join the band and also provided background vocals. This added to the sound and allowed for Tuck and Larry to play more lead guitar. The song writing of the band was also their trademark. Their lyrics were clever and spiritual without being preachy. Influences include Sly and the family Stone, Yes, Curtis Mayfield, and John Mclaughlin Mahavishnu Orchestra. Some are now among the top people in the music business and others are now working in the underground Hip Hop and progressive R&B movement. The drummer of Pure Essence, LA Reid, is now the chairman of Universal Defjam and co-founder of Laface Records and on this cut very funky I might add. Kevin (Kayo) Roberson, Pure Essence Bassist, has worked on many well known artist recordings and co-produced talent from TLC to Whitney Houston. Steve(Tuck) Tucker, Pure Essence guitar and vocalist, is now working with Stone Throw Records via Soul-Cal Records providing music for the Underground Hip Hop community and Cartoon Networks Adult Swim CD. Check out this new CD from Stones Throw: Chrome Children!
