We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago……
As much as I enjoy the funkiness of “Pleasure”, the 3rd LP from the Ohio Players, it’s the jazziness of this record that stands out for me.
Moys of the songs have sort of jazz edge to them, most of which comes from the creative keyboard work of Walter “Junie” Morrison. Whether its piano, Hammond B-3, clavinet or electric piano, Morrison takes us through alot of changes that are really tasty.
That’s not to discount the greasy funk from Rock Jones on bass, James ‘Diamond” Williams on drums and Leroy ‘Sugarfoot” Bonner on guitar, plus some solid horn charts as well.
For me, the uptempo tunes work better…like the title track, ‘Walk Away From You’ and Walt’s First Trip” (Morrison channels his inner Billy Preston). But some of the slower stuff gets it done…”Paint Me” is a bluesy number and “Our Love Has Died” has it’s moments.
Plus you get the band’s novelty tune “Funky Worm” which went to #1 on the R&B charts and was sampled by many rappers over the years. It feature’s the band’s “Granny” character voiced by Morrison.
The big hits were still to come but this one is alright
