Steve Tuck (aka Tuck guitar,Vocals,)
Jerome Richmond (aka Mouse Vocal percussion)
Kevin Roberson (aka Kayo Bass, Vocals)
Toby Rivers (Keybroads)
Larry Middleton (guitar and Lead vocals)
Antonio Reid (aka LA Reid drums). For rasons that only Larry Middleton can say he began to call Antonio Reid LA. The nick name seem to fit. He is
now known as LA Reid. I know some people have heard other stories
how he got the name however, this is the real story.
Influences
Too Many to mention
However, The cat's in the
videos are a good start.
Sly...... FUNK AND WIT
James Brown.... Greatest performer that ever lived. THE FUNK GOD (RIP)
Miles Davis....... Progressive until the end. Never looked back.
The Last Poets...The start of no bull shit Hip Hop.
FEARLESS, The truth was the only
Bling they had.
And my two old friend's Bootsy Collins
and his cool cazy funny borther Cat Fish Collins.
Fun and funk. Mrs. Collins was a great cook too. :)
Pure Essence was one of the most creative and progressive bands in the Midwest during the 70's.Their shows are legendary in the Cincinnati area
known for it's place in funk history.They would start their shows laid back
with a funky eastern vibe as lead singer Jerome Richmond(aka MOUSE) would talk and sing to the audience. Larry Middleton who some say has one of the best tenor voices since Marvin Gaye would take over the lead vocals and take the funk a step higher. With the power of master bassist Kevin
Roberson lock in with funky drummer Antonio Reid (aka LA Reid) along with
Steve Tucker(aka Tuck) wah guitar and Larry's rhythm guitar they would burn the house down. Later keyboard player Toby Rivers join the band and also provided background vocals. This added to the sound and allowed for Tuck and Larry to play more lead guitar. The song writing of the band was also their trademark. Their lyrics were clever and spiritual without being preachy. Influences include Sly and the family Stone, Yes, Curtis Mayfield, and John Mclaughlin Mahavishnu Orchestra. Some are now among the top people in the music business and others are now working in the underground Hip Hop and progressive R&B movement. The drummer of Pure Essence, LA Reid, is now the chairman of Universal Defjam and co-founder of Laface Records and on this cut very funky I might add. Kevin (Kayo) Roberson, Pure Essence Bassist, has worked on many well known artist recordings and co-produced talent from TLC to Whitney Houston. Steve(Tuck) Tucker, Pure Essence guitar and vocalist, is now working with Stone Throw Records via Soul-Cal Records providing music for the Underground Hip Hop community and Cartoon Networks Adult Swim CD. Check out this new CD from Stones Throw: Chrome Children!
Tuck has played with many other Cincinnati funk musicians and bands such as Bootsy Collins Complete Strangers and The Deele. "Third Rock", written by Steve Tucker and one of only two songs that was recorded by Pure Essence was sampled by acclaimed underground DJ RJD2 for his 2004 album "Since We Last Spoke" on the song: "Clean Living" (See Music Player). Listen to RJD2 version.Pure Essence along with Bootsy(House Guest), Roger (Zapp), Ohio Players and others from the Dayton and Cincinnati area Pioneered Funk into the modern era. James Brown also started his soul and funk revolution at King Records in Cincinnati. If a band had funk influences, it most likely had a musician from southwest Ohio in it. From Sly and the Family Stone, (Rusty Allen played bass when Gram left) Parliament, to James Brown(Bootsy Bass guitar and The Gap Band (Jimmy Macon guitar). Pure Essence had a message that is timeless "Wake Up" was written over twenty years ago however it reads like today's headlines. These are some funky mother's then and now.Members of Pure Essence Jerome(Mouse) Richmond(RIP) Larry Middleton,Toby Rivers, Tony Coats(RIP), LA Reid, Kevin (Kayo) Roberson and Steve(Tuck) Tucker. New music is on the way from the original members that is both cutting edge and progressive. Stay tune.
PS.
IF YOUR INTERESTED IN LISTENING AND BUYING MUSIC (THE REAL STUFF)
THAT WAS RECORDED LIVE WITH REAL MUSICIANS CHECK OUT SOUL CAL
RECORDS. ALL THE TOP DJ'S DO.
..
(Check out Clean Living Video)
Why is it hard to get old school folks
to attend a 50 cent concert? Well above are
a few reasons. They have long memories.
THANK YOU FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT. I AM OFFERING REAL HIPHOP THAT'S DIFFERENT. CHECK MY NEW VIDEO "THE ISH." I HOPE YOU DIG IT. PLEASE POST IT UP AND PASS IT ON TO YOUR PEOPLES. PEACE - 5
FINALLY!!! The live video of Mr. Confuse & The Confusers playing at the Mephisto Club in Hannover Germany on 27th September 2008 is ready. It was the album release concert of the Mr. Confuse album “Feel The Fire” released on Légère Recordings as DLP, CD and digital in September 2008.
Yo Tuck, just dropping by to say whats up!!!! Hope all is well with you and the family. You're always in my thoughts and prayers. Stay wise, creative, and healthy. Luv & Respect, Toby
je sors une réédition de mon album très prochainement, si t'as pas encore écouté, n'hésite pas à passer sur mon myspace. Tu pourras aussi découvrir mon album en live le 2 octobre au divan du monde, je compte sur toi pour faire passer l'info!
Thank you for your continued support... My new album, "The Journey of Plato the Orphan," is NOW AVAILABLE on time for you to bump this summer! CHECK OUT THIS PROMO VIDEO, SEE IF YOU'RE FEELIN' IT.
