Rare Essence
| Rare Essence | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Labels | |
| Associated acts |
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| Website | link |
| Members | Andre "Whiteboy" Johnson James "Jas.Funk" Thomas Charles "Corleone" Garris Leroy "RB" Battle Jr Michael Baker Calvin "Killa Cal" Henry Quentin "Shorty Dud" Ivey Samuel "GoGo Smoke" Dews Kenny "Kwick" Gross Leroy "Scooter" Taylor |
| Past members | Quentin "Footz" Davidson Meshell Ndegeocello Anthony "Little Benny" Harley Byron "B.J." Jackson |
Rare Essence is a Washington, D.C.-based go-go band formed in 1976. Rare Essence has been amongst the most prominent musicians of the D.C. music scene, producing numerous hit songs in the local D.C. market and several hits nationwide, including the charting hit "Work the Walls".
Rare Essence was started in 1976 after childhood friends Quentin "Footz" Davidson, Andre "Whiteboy" Johnson, Michael "Funky Ned" Neal and John Jones decided to form a band. After school, the band gathered in their basements to play Top 40 hits from such influential funk bands as Parliament-Funkadelic, Cameo, and Con Funk Shun in practice sessions.
Eventually the band took on more players and conformed to the go-go style and sound, which gained recognition in the mid-70s. Although the go-go beat had been originated by Chuck Brown, the characteristic four Congo style played by all subsequent bands was originated by Rare Essence.
Once the direction of the band was settled, Rare Essence along with Chuck Brown, Trouble Funk and Experience Unlimited formed the basis for the emerging go-go scene. By 1979 their ability to draw consistent local crowds was well established. As was the wide dispersal of bootleg tapes.
Many of the bands original members contributed to the D.C. style, one would go on to be one of the most dynamic and influential performers on the go scene. Anthony Harley "Lil Benny" was on the way home from his weekly trumpet lesson when he heard the sound of a band coming from a nearby apartment building. After a brief audition, in which he performed the introduction to Kool & the Gang's "Hollywood Swinging", he was asked to join on the spot. Soon after, the band called on the assistance of Quentin's mother, Annie Mack, who became the band's first manager.
Today, the band consists of twelve musicians who play a range of instruments from the timbales to the bass guitar. They play up to six nights a week, travelling throughout the country.
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Wikipedia