The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted
Bootsy Collins
in the making of his first album since 2017's
World Wide Funk
, forcing him to keep the party going in remote style. (What's a data limit?) The bassist has no trouble continuing to emphasize "the one," the first beat of the measure, and adds a new meaning to the term as a positive communal philosophy promoted throughout the album. As with
, these 71 minutes are overflowing with featured appearances from artists of multiple generations and genres. Front-loaded with a high-voltage sequence spotlighting guitarists
George Benson
,
Rod Castro
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
, and
Brandon "Taz" Niederauer
The Power of the One
differs from
in its emphasis on instrumentalists -- as well as vocalists -- with fewer roles for rappers. The veteran likes of
Larry Graham
Branford Marsalis
Christian McBride
also pitch in,
Bootsy
's longtime rhythm section parter
Frankie "Kash" Waddy
(
Funkadelic
Rubber Band
) is on board, and they all mix it up with a good number of younger voices in duly boisterous style. The program slows down toward the end with some potent reflective material fronted by journeyman soulster
Ellis Hall
. Otherwise, it's built for celebration. Not everything sticks, but it's all good to your earhole. ~ Andy Kellman