By Gerard Cox

FUN. That is the operative word here, and there can really be no other. This is FUN music played by some FUN guys, and the live audience clearly had themselves some FUN.

For those as yet unfamiliar with this artist, the former lead saxophonist of the JB horns (James Brown’s horn section), this is simply a smashing introduction to the man called Maceo.

How to categorize this music? That really can’t be done with a broad brush. To call it “instrumental James Brown music” would be inadequate, as would calling it “jazz funk” or any other kind of ready-made genre term. This music is it’s own beast. Let it be said that Maceo Parker’s music is simply a blues-drenched, jazz, funk, and soul “stew” of the highest order. Indeed it is many things, and a lot more nuanced than one might expect, but surely the most common denominators are THE BLUES, and THE FUNK.

It is frankly a “trip” watching Maceo bop his head and shout out encouraging, rabidly enthusiastic remarks to the other soloists. He often seems rather eccentric, seeming to be in his own world and not conscious of how he might be perceived as he talks to himself at points and moves whenever he cares to move. In this sense it’s kind of like watching a funkified Thelonious Monk.

Maceo is not alone in his enthusiasm for the music however. Watching the fellas move to the music generally is real entertainment. Whenever a soloist takes his turn, the other horn players sway and dance while keenly listening to their solo, and this makes for great entertainment, not to mention giving all of the solos a heightened state of importance. Speaking of the solos, they are all first-rate for the most part, with Maceo spinning out some incredibly gritty, sweaty (literally), soul-stirring choruses and Fred Wesley playing more the cool, unruffled part with some very logical solos. Pee Wee Ellis exists somewhere in between on this continuum; he doesn’t get quite as worked up as Maceo, but like Maceo, his solos tend to be rather pure in their basic bluesiness. Wesley is probably the most “jazz-like” soloist here, for better or for worse.

Now while most of the numbers here are midtempo bluesy funk vein, there is a rather touching ballad- “Peace Fugue” by Fred Wesley. The vibe on this one is very peaceful indeed, but after the theme is read, the tone lightens up as the backbeat comes into play once again (but hey, what did you expect?). Other than that however, the program is pretty much smooth-sailing in terms of the kind of material and grooves that are played.

That said, again- this is FUN stuff, but there is a certain sameness to the music that should be drawn attention to for those who aren’t completely sold on Maceo Parker or the kind of music he and his associates “typically” play. The fact is, if you're already skeptical you aren't going to be thrown too many curves here. This is indeed "typical" Maceo Parker music, but the upshot is- if you do dig that sound, the reviewer is confident you’ll find this typically glorious. The live aspect surely makes it even more happening; as said, they make their passion for the music more than clear. This is a sure must-buy for any Maceo or James Brown fans.

NOTE: While this DVD is put out by the German ARTHAUS label, it's readily available at outlets like Amazon, Media Play or Tower.

PRODUCTION COMMENTS: The production of this concert, shot in Stuttgart, was excellent. The video is just slightly grainy at times, but the camera work is superb and there are some really interesting shots and uses of framing. A close-up on Fred Wesley’s slide is a unique point, as is focusing on Maceo’s uniquely sweaty forehead. 4 stars as concert DVDs go. The sound is PCM stereo.

BAND PERSONNEL: Maceo Parker- Alto Saxophone. Pee Wee Ellis- Tenor Saxophone. Fred Wesley-Trombone. Ronald Muldrow- Guitar. Larry Goldings- Organ.

MUSIC PROGRAM: Up N Down East Street; Southwick; In Articulate Speech of the Heart; Peace Fugue; Cold Sweat; Children's World; Everywhere is Out of Town; Doin' it To Death.