Lost Gem Reissued: 1977 Paris Ford single finds new life

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    Accomplished New York bassist Paris Ford began honing his recording chops during high school off-hours. Prior to gaining international recognition as a member of The B.B. & Q. Band, he cut several intensely funky jams with cream-of-the-crop session musicians and vocalists. They’re seeing the light of day for the first time, thanks to London-based Epsilon Records’ limited 7-inch vinyl issue of two selections written and recorded by Ford in 1977.

    Accomplished New York bassist Paris Ford began honing his recording chops during high school off-hours. Prior to gaining international recognition as a member of The B.B. & Q. Band, he cut several intensely funky jams with cream-of-the-crop session musicians and vocalists. They’re seeing the light of day for the first time, thanks to London-based Epsilon Records’ limited 7-inch vinyl issue of two selections written and recorded by Ford in 1977.

    “Come and Freak with Me” is a brilliantly chugging floor filler constructed with a totally live rhythm section that doesn’t back down for a split second. Ford’s snaky bass wizardry is complemented by guitarist Lionel Henderson, the late Kenny Kirkland on Fender Rhodes, and pianist Barry Easton. Much-missed jazz drummer Wilby Fletcher provided the unstoppable beat, with a commanding trio of female vocalists on the hook. The raw yet unmistakably tight flow of the jam is miles above the musicality of many disco anthems which were gaining airplay at the time.

    Check out Paris Ford’s “Come and Freak with Me,” and let us know what you think of this long-lost slice of truly funky disco!

    by Justin Kantor