Reviewed by George Luke

Last year, CR reported that Bootsy Collins, influential bassist and a seminal figure in the history of funk, had become a Christian. Sadly, British fans were subsequently denied the concert opportunity of hearing him tell his story and play us some of his music (thanks for nothing, Home Office), but this new double album might go some way towards compensating. The majority of the tracks, and the comic strip that comes with the liner notes, contain much of the characteristic Bootsy/Parliament/Funkadelic oddball humour, which is an acquired taste unless you're a lifelong fan. The track "Where R The Children" is reminiscent of the old hit "One Nation Under A Groove" (is that a Gregorian chant I can hear, or is his backing vocalist rehearsing for an opera?) and the title track is a tribute to his friend and former guitarist Eddie Hazell, who died some time ago. The only track here with some religious inclination is the Hammond organ-driven, gospel jam "A Sacred Place", in which he recommends prayer as a means of overcoming life's pressures. Disc 2 consists of instrumental versions of selected tracks from Disc 1.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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