List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

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markjazzbassist
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List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by markjazzbassist » Thu Aug 09, 2018 2:37 pm

I listen primarily to jazz and soul music (all variations, soul, r&b, funk, etc) and was wondering if the hardcore music nerds on here could help a brother out. i'm looking to compile a list of songs/records that used an old drum machine of the analog variety but pre-808. For instance, Sly and the family stone riot goin on used the old maestro rhythm king. Here's a short list i have, any help (jazz especially) appreciated :)

Records (more than 1 song)

Sly and the Family Stone - There’s a Riot Goin’ On
Sly and the Family Stone - Fresh
Shuggie Otis - Inspiration Information
Ronnie McNeir - Love’s Comin’ Down
Timmy Thomas - Why can’t we live together
Timmy Thomas - You’re the song I've always wanted to sing

Songs

Marvin gaye - Where are we going
Parliament - The Goose
Stevie Wonder - You Haven’t Done Nothing
Prince - Wouldn’t you love to love me (demo)
Maze - Joy and Pain


that's everything from my record collection.

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by Gregg Juke » Thu Aug 09, 2018 9:36 pm

I'm not sure of the specific "pre 808" timeline, but Jazz-wise, the Marcus Miller-produced Miles Davis material often used earlier drum machines (along the lines of a Yamaha RX7, maybe?). Cyndi Lauper/Michael Jackson covers and such...

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by markjazzbassist » Fri Aug 10, 2018 4:02 am

tutu, yeah i have this wierd thing where i can't listen to any music from the 80's, sonically i can't stand it. the gated drums, the reverbed out snare, the cheesy digital synths, the chorus guitar, the new wave BS, i just literally can't stomach it. so very dated in a bad way for me.

henceforth looking 60's and 70's for this kinda stuff.

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by vvv » Fri Aug 10, 2018 4:07 am

One thing I noticed?

80's music can sound much better in the car.

With the windows down.

Beer in hand.
bandcamp;
blog.
I mix with olive juice.

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by Gregg Juke » Fri Aug 10, 2018 7:30 am

Yeah Mark, I don't know how much you'll find from that era. 60's I'd think almost nothing. You mentioned Sly & the Family Stone ("Family Affair"); I think I heard that Roxy Music's "Dance Away" uses a Korg Mini Pops. I don't know what all else you'll find... If you haven't already, you might search specific drum machines and see what pops up. Maybe see if there are any references to specific songs on Synthopia or something.

The Linn Drum was the "official start" of the "drum machine era," and that was quite a bit later.

GJ
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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by markjazzbassist » Fri Aug 10, 2018 7:51 am

Gregg Juke wrote:
Fri Aug 10, 2018 7:30 am
Yeah Mark, I don't know how much you'll find from that era. 60's I'd think almost nothing. You mentioned Sly & the Family Stone ("Family Affair"); I think I heard that Roxy Music's "Dance Away" uses a Korg Mini Pops. I don't know what all else you'll find... If you haven't already, you might search specific drum machines and see what pops up. Maybe see if there are any references to specific songs on Synthopia or something.

The Linn Drum was the "official start" of the "drum machine era," and that was quite a bit later.

GJ
i'll check out the roxy music. that's the kinda thing i'm looking for. yeah i know its sparse just wanted to see if on the off chance someone else knew, i know there's a lot of vinyl junkies on here. thanks.

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by Gregg Juke » Sat Aug 25, 2018 1:00 pm

I don't know if you'd consider it Soul or not, but it certainly has its connections...

I picked-up a copy of Marley's "Natty Dread" on CD; hadn't heard it in awhile. Both that album's version of "No Woman, No Cry," and "So Jah Seh" use a Lowrey, Wurlitzer, or Mini-Pops type unit as part of the rhythm track. Cuts #2 and #5 respectively.

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by markjazzbassist » Sat Aug 25, 2018 4:02 pm

ill check it out, many thanks

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by Gregg Juke » Sat Sep 22, 2018 4:49 pm

How's that list coming, Mark? Any new additions?

I was listening to Shuggie Otis the other day and thought of you and this thread...

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by markjazzbassist » Sun Sep 23, 2018 5:15 am

Gregg Juke wrote:
Sat Sep 22, 2018 4:49 pm
How's that list coming, Mark? Any new additions?

I was listening to Shuggie Otis the other day and thought of you and this thread...

GJ
:) I LOVE that shuggie record "Inspiration Information", yeah i found a couple more songs like

Ohio Players - The Controller’s Mind
Eddie Hazel - California Dreamin’

ive been going through my record collection and its funny unless i really listen hard sometimes i forget they used it (like on the above). when it's just a track or 2 here or there and there's a lot going on they blend nicely.

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by Gregg Juke » Sun Sep 30, 2018 12:56 pm

Also-- Bob Marley & the Wailers' "Johnny Was" from "Rastaman Vibration."


GJ
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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by markjazzbassist » Sun Sep 30, 2018 6:12 pm

thanks gregg :)

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by Gregg Juke » Sun Sep 30, 2018 7:40 pm

I'll post 'em as I hear 'em!

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by Dr Rubberfunk » Thu Nov 08, 2018 8:06 am

Good thread! From memory there's at least one Willie Hutch track using a rhythm box - maybe on the Foxy Brown soundtrack? I'll have to check.
Also from that era George McCrae's 'Rock Your Baby' has some super preset action happening.
Is there a track on Can's 'Tago Mago' with drum machine too? A bit outside the soul / funk remit maybe, and another one I haven't listened to for a while so I'd have to dig out the actual tune ...
Will try and hunt down some stuff on the jazz side of things too :)

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Re: List of Jazz or Soul Records that used an old drum machine?

Post by markjazzbassist » Thu Nov 08, 2018 10:17 am

Dr Rubberfunk wrote:
Thu Nov 08, 2018 8:06 am
Good thread! From memory there's at least one Willie Hutch track using a rhythm box - maybe on the Foxy Brown soundtrack? I'll have to check.
Also from that era George McCrae's 'Rock Your Baby' has some super preset action happening.
Is there a track on Can's 'Tago Mago' with drum machine too? A bit outside the soul / funk remit maybe, and another one I haven't listened to for a while so I'd have to dig out the actual tune ...
Will try and hunt down some stuff on the jazz side of things too :)
thank Doc!!

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