The Best of Chuck Brown (Remastered)

iTunes Review

Chuck Brown’s self-styled brand of funk — which his fans dubbed “go-go” for the nonstop percussive drumbeat behind every song — had its roots in the stink and sweat of downhome blues and R&B, which is one reason Southerners responded to Brown’s musical message. For the most part, however, “The Godfather of Go-Go” remained a phenomenon exclusive to Washington D.C., which is fitting, as the national capital is a crossroads where the inner city collides with high society. The performances included here are at once urbane and extraordinarily gritty. Brown’s rhythm was propulsive but persuasive, intense but unhurried. Above all, it was adaptable. Unlike the patents of George Clinton and James Brown, Chuck’s go-go could be effortlessly married to jazz standards (“Misty”), Caribbean music (“Day-O”), blues (“Stormy Monday”), gospel (“Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”) and even modern day rap and R&B hits by the likes of R. Kelly (“Fiesta”). Brown was a magician able to turn any song into go-go and the music’s insistent rhythm never failed to coax new listeners into his tent.