Five Lessons Playing With Bootsy Collins Has Taught Me

By FARNELL NEWTON

1. Everything is on the one.

2. It's all about the groove. Never sacrifice the groove for anything else.

3. Funk is making something out of nothing. That's how funk got started—from Larry Graham experimenting with a percussive feel on the bass and inventing slap bass to Bootsy getting a guitar as a kid and putting bass strings on it to join in with his brother on guitar, Phelps "Catfish" Collins.

4. Bootsy gives 110 percent every night and truly loves his fans. He makes sure to connect with them all, either though the music, band interaction or literally going into the audience and touching everyone he sees.

5. Just to be surrounded by the original Bootsy's Rubber Band members is such an honor. I have heard so many stories about life, music, love and the funk. I'm glad I can represent Portland in the funk, alongside Portland trombonist Kyle Molitor of the Rose City Horns. 

SEE IT: Bootsy's Rubber Band plays Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St., on Wednesday, June 24. 8 pm. $35 advance, $40 day of show. 21+.

WWeek 2015

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