Album Notes

As a young man I went to Michigan to a club called the 'Ace of Clubs' to hear my brother John McDonald and his legendary band the Funk Family perform- and was astounded at what I heard and saw. Every member of the band could play two instruments...at the same time! To see them all playing two instruments (for example drums and trumpet- Chopper the drummer, Hammond B-3 and trumpet- Phil the organist)) at the same time on their opening number (a 'fatback' syncopated up tempo version of 'Amen') was a sight to behold. Several band members were from Cincinnati, but the concept was that all of these guys played with such heart, soul and skill, that musicians everywhere would come to hear them and hopefully sit in with them. They could play funk, soul, rhythm and blues, soulful ballads, etc., with such power, heart, and energy that it made an indelible impact on me as a 19 year old and I wanted to pay tribute to this incredible musicianship and energy. I believe we accomplished that with this recording of 'Cincinnati Kid'. So John, Denny, Phil, Shorty and Chopper- this one is for you.