Review: 98% Funky Stuff: My Life in Music, by Maceo Parker

Just finished reviewing Maceo Parker’s new autobiography, 98% Funky Stuff: My Life in Music, for Jazz Books Reviews:

98% Funky Stuff: My Life in Music, released in February 2013, is the autobiography of legendary funk saxophonist Maceo Parker. The writing is straightforward and engaging, often understated, and the two hundred pages go by quickly. Over the course of ten chapters, Parker provides a glimpse of his early life and influences, his experiences performing with artists including James Brown and George Clinton, and his gradual ascent to leading his own band. Parker’s uniquely laidback and sensible personality is present throughout, as is his commitment to his values, family, and music.

Parker covers pretty much everything in a roughly chronological breakdown of his life. His story begins with his childhood and early life in Kinston, North Carolina, growing up in a nurturing environment with supportive parents and siblings. The writing evokes an image of a young boy, drawn to music, first by the singing of his parents’ church choir, then by the sound of the piano, and finally by the allure of the marching band. By his sophomore year in high school, Parker’s band with his siblings and friends, the Mighty Blue Notes, were gigging around town…Click here to read the full review!

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16 Responses to Review: 98% Funky Stuff: My Life in Music, by Maceo Parker

  1. the “Junior Blue Notes” not the “Mighty Blue Notes” (smile)

    • admin says:

      Ah yes, the Junior Blue notes, who then gave way to the Mighty Blue Notes. Thanks for the correction and clarification, it keeps me on my toes!

  2. Joseph H. Davis...Joe/The Collection....Jody!....from Salemtown...Music City USA... says:

    “Shut-Up, Natasha (Laughs),
    Smooth, Mike ! This is the best/most accurate/analytical/objective/honest Review I have read, so far.
    I agree with your appraisal/description of 98%. I am so pleased that he/they decided to write/publish ! !

    Maceo is a beautiful person and a talented musician who deserves all of the positive attention and success
    that comes his way. I know him and am honored to have been privy to a portion of his development.
    I knew/know him as a friend, as a fellow-musician, and as a southerner. He is 6 months and 5 days older
    than I am but, that should allow me to include/claim him as a peer. His music and his career are Uplifting
    & Fun, …a “Good Time”! Thanks for the honest Review.

    Natasha, write Mike a Check ! ! ! Now let’s work on getting (us) what used to be called ” a
    Hit Record” in the USA ! One that Tom Joyner may/might play or talk about.

    Jody! from Salemtown…Joe/The Collection…..Joseph H.(Joe) Davis…615.855.3603….

    • Mike says:

      Thank you for the kind words! One of the great things about doing these reviews is I get to appreciate new artists, and those with whom I’m already familiar, in a more in depth manner.

  3. Joseph H. Davis...Joe/The Collection....Jody!....from Salemtown...Music City USA... says:

    Uhmmmmm……CRICKETS ? ……..
    Testing One-Two ! Testing 1-2-3 !
    Avon….. Avon, Senior, is this Mic working ? ?
    “Quote me on this One” & Keep the Faith.

    Joe/The Collection

  4. Joseph H. Davis...Joe/The Collection....Jody!....from Salemtown...Music City USA... says:

    Mike,

    CONTEXT…watch your context ! It can be tricky.

    QUESTION: What would it take to get you to REVIEW a Music Workshop-Videotaped Recording
    featuring Maceo Parker w/Fred Wesley & The Horny Horns ca.1976-77 produced for Live TV in
    Nashville, TN by Joseph Davis for PBS ? The isolated Brass(Horn)Section demonstrating/discussing from
    their lexicon of recorded material during that time. James Brown-Clinton-Bootsy-The Brides- Circus
    Music etc. This is a Rare, Vintage, Priceless, Uncirculated, Undistributed Performance. HD Quality.

    Very Jazzy ! ! I look forward to your reply/response.

    Joe

    • Mike says:

      I would love to review that, but right now I only have the capacity to play things in digital or DVD format. If you have any idea how I can get my hands on it (preferably online, since I currently live in Thailand), I would happily do a write-up. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, Joe!

      Best,

      Mike

      • Joseph H. Davis...Joe/The Collection....Jody!....from Salemtown...Music City USA... says:

        TMike,
        Thanks for the reply. Thailand ? WOW!! What a Concept. What constitutes a “Hit Record”
        over there ? (Kidding)

        I am the only(legal)source of the material. I own the physical Master and all of the derivatives
        including DVDs, all of which are work-copies and I own/claim/control all Rights. Looking for a Deal.
        YES ! SO!!!!

        I would love for you to see/REVIEW the performance but I do not transmit electronically for security
        concerns, so if and when you come this way, please contact me for an in-person evaluation/screening.

        It’s been a pleasure.

        Joe!

        • Mike says:

          Thank you Joe, it has been a pleasure speaking with you! I hope I do get a chance to review it in person, but if it’s published before then, please send me a line and I’ll gladly review it then. And regarding Thailand, I think that you could have a “hit record” pretty much anywhere! 🙂

          Best,

          Mike

          • Joseph H. Davis...Joe/The Collection....Jody!....from Salemtown...Music City USA... says:

            TMike,

            Thanks again! I’ll certanly take you up on that. My word is good.
            Thailand….”hit record”…anywhere…? Please…tell me more ?

            AFTERTHOUGHT: Ask Natasha/Maceo to play the Joe Davis/CD
            containing several samples (complete songs and demos) for you, if you are so-situated.
            I think you would enjoy the music. Bobby Byrd & The Famous Flames/Nashville Reunion Session
            featuring Maceo Parker/PeeWee Ellis/”Kush” Griffith/etc.- Also material from “New Birth” and above all
            you should hear “That Was Then and This Is Now” by Kush for George Clinton. All Unreleased Hit Music !!!

            For enjoyment purposes only! Tell me what you think and/but (just-in-case), if you can
            hook-me-up, please feel free to do so. You never know!

            Joe!

  5. Joseph H. Davis...Joe/The Collection....Jody!....from Salemtown...Music City USA... says:

    Mike:
    Let me check my Math ? Six Total Responses !

    One…from Natasha.
    Two…from Mike.
    Three…from Joe.

    GRAND TOTAL= 6
    Joe!!……Uhmmmm?…..Well, counting this one leaves/makes SEVEN.

    • Joseph H. Davis...Joe/The Collection....Jody!....from Salemtown...Music City USA... says:

      TOTAL REPLIES:
      10 (counting this one)

      Joe!/The Collection…..615.855.3603

  6. Joseph H. Davis...Joe/The Collection....Jody!....from Salemtown...Music City USA... says:

    CORRECTION:

    Certainly…Not certanly !

    Joe

  7. Frank Degra says:

    Hi Joe,
    I’ve read your story on an italian ‘zine… Wow! What a great experience, Maceo, Fred, Kush, Jimmy, Melvin and you… the Dashiki Band (clap) !
    Wake up and let us know the full story. Many things came out from James Brown and aren’t well recognized… so ride out of the mists !

    • Joseph H. Davis...Joe/The Collection....Jody!....from Salemtown...Music City USA... says:

      Joe/The Collection:
      “What you talking ’bout, Degra?” Who told you I was taking a nap? And, how did you know
      about this thick, soupy fog, up on this hill? (Just Kidding)

      The Dashiki Band and “Maceo & All the King’s Men” do represent a time in my life ideal
      for developing unique experiences and memories, that seem to last a lifetime. I met and came
      to know many great and talented people, and musicians. Credit: James Brown and his Career.

      NOW, about that article you read (in the Italian “zine”). I would love to see(read) it. Please, send
      me a copy. Natasha, Alfredo, Maceo, Eileen, Melvin, Fred, all know how to reach me by regular mail
      and by email. Send it to me % of any/all of them and I’m sure they would forward it to me.

      Thanks for your interest!

      Jody…from Salemtown…..KEEP THE FAITH!….and Why just one (clap)??…Thanks Mike…

  8. Joseph H. Davis...Joe/The Collection....Jody!....from Salemtown...Music City USA... says:

    Mike,

    I’m losing track! I think this makes 13-14 Replies.

    Joe!

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