So here’s the scenario. It’s a charity roast for Mick Jagger. A number of famous, albeit admittedly aging, rock stars are all seated together at a table. Good natured jokes and jibes abound. As the festivities progress, they sink ever deeper into the cups but their bantering continues.
Just as Mick stumbles off the stage Sly Stone belches and says “This is some good vintage this Night Train. You honky white boys can sho’ ‘nuff play but you just ain’t got what it takes to get down and funky.”
Responds Paul McCartney, “Huh?! I can do funk with the best of them! I always wanted to do some of the funky stuff with the Beatles but that stick-in-the-mud George Martin always wanted us to be relevant."
Sly, “Yeah, sure, white boy.”
Paul, “I’ll prove it! Weren’t you getting your band together for a tour? I’ll join and lay down the funkiest bass line you ever heard! Hey, waitress! More Bushmills!”
“Me too!” says Eric Clapton as he spills his Glenfiddich in his excitement. “I’ll show you some funk!”
“Count me in!” says Stevie Winwood and takes another sip of his Newcastle Brown Ale. “You'll love my funky stuff!”
“I’m in, I’m in!” says Phil Collins. “You’ll need a drummer like me to lay down the funky beat, and mine’s the funkiest! Damn but that Guinness is good.”
“Horns, horns! You’ll need my trumpet!” says Herb Alpert as he takes another swig of Jack Daniels.
“Hey, I’ve always wanted to sing some sweet soul music!” says Allan Clarke and raises his mug of Bass Pale Ale.
“Ummmm, well yeah, but I thinks I’ll need my bro’ Booker T to help keep you white boys funky though.” Replies Sly. “Hey, Bookie, you in?”
“Huh? Why sho’ bro’, whatever. I kin keeps them white boys funky” says Booker T. “Yo, bitch, bring me another Schlitz Malt Liquor!”
So a super group of the following is born that night:
Sylvester Stone (Sly & the Family Stone) – Rhythm guitar, harmonica, piano, backup vocals.
Allan Clarke (Hollies) – Lead vocals.
Eric Clapton (Cream) – Lead guitar.
Paul McCartney (Beatles) – Bass, backup vocals.
Steve Winwood (Traffic) – Rhythm guitar, keyboards, backup vocals.
Booker T. Jones (Booker T & the MGs) – Keyboards, saxophone.
Herb Alpert (Tijuana Brass) – Trumpet.
Phil Collins (Genesis) – Drums, backup vocals.
Studio time is booked the next morning and arrangements are started for a worldwide tour. But can they jell? Can those old white men really get down and funky?
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