“Music is always a soother, a healer, and that’s how I want to use this record,” says Bootsy Collins about his latest album, The Power of the One (Oct 23, Bootzilla Records / Sweetwater Studios). The album is available now on CD and all streaming services, and on vinyl in December.
Get on up for the super-galactic ride on Bootsy’s Funkship Area-51 in his video for “The Power of the One,” featuring George Benson. True essence of funk is the Power of the One, and it all began when James Brown and his musicians dominated the first count of each measure.
For Bootsy, “the One” is also a philosophy: “The Power of the One is what pulls us through,” he says. “Everyone has “The One” inside of them. You never know who is using you for guidance, so always be pure and never fake the funk. Everybody’s got a light. Everybody needs to shine.”
Produced, co-written and arranged by Collins, The Power of the One began before the pandemic at Sweetwater Studios and was completed during lockdown at his own Boot-Cave Studios in Cincinnati. “In these tragedies and in these storms is when the most beautiful messages can come out,” says Bootsy. “Funk is making something out of nothing. As a team, it’s easier to pursue your dreams. It’s official: Family Approved, One Nation under a Groove!”
And with that, Bootsy called on a few of his humble musician friends to join him and let the real party begin, including Christian McBride, Branford Marsalis, George Benson, Emmaline, Bernard Purdie, Larry Graham, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Béla Fleck, Dr. Cornel West, EmiSunshine, Victor Wooten, Uché and many more.
Calling all Funkateers! Please join Bootsy TONIGHT, October 23 at 6:00pm PT / 9:00pm ET for the livestream broadcast event, ‘Bootsy Collins Album Release Galactic Birthday Bash.’ Tickets are available at bootsycollins.com. Ahead of his birthday, Bootsy reflects, “I don’t ever want to grow up and lose that kid inside of me. That’s the guy who really keeps me going. I’m always experiencing and learning new things.”
Bootzilla Records is also announcing the Bootsy Collins EZ Record Maker, available now at www.ezrecordmaker.com. Make your own 5′ Bootsy Collins vinyl records at home from unreleased Bootzilla grooves and play them back instantly. This is the first time a record cutting machine has been readily available to purchase at a consumer level. The future is here, baba!
