James Brown & The Famous Flames - Cold Sweat
- Artist James Brown & The Famous Flames
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James Brown & The Famous Flames – Cold Sweat (Part 1) / Cold Sweat (Part 2) (1967)
Widely regarded as one of the most important records in the history of funk, "Cold Sweat" marked a major turning point in James Brown's sound, stripping away much of the melodic and harmonic complexity of traditional soul in favour of a relentless, syncopated groove built around rhythm, repetition and the interplay between the musicians.
Released on the red King Records label in June 1967 (45-6110), the two-part 7-inch finds Brown at the height of his creative powers. Part 1 lays down the now legendary groove, driven by Clyde Stubblefield's tightly syncopated drumming, Bernard Odum's bass and Jimmy Nolen's distinctive, clipped guitar. Maceo Parker's blistering saxophone work adds another dimension, while Brown's commanding vocal and rhythmic interjections keep everything locked in place.
Written by Brown and his bandleader Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis, the track was recorded at King Studios in Cincinnati in May 1967. Ellis developed the distinctive horn arrangement from Brown's rhythmic ideas, helping create a revolutionary new approach to funk. The second part continues the instrumental workout, giving the band further room to explore the groove.
A landmark recording that helped establish the blueprint for modern funk and would go on to become one of the most sampled and influential rhythms in hip-hop. An absolutely essential King 45