Legendary bassist and funk innovator Bootsy Collins linked up with the contemporary funk explorers of Lettuce on a new track, “Keep That Funk Alive”. The collaboration, out today, appears on Lettuce’s forthcoming eighth studio LP, Unify, due out on June 3rd via Round Hill Records.
Secure in his own standing in the pantheon of funk greats, much of Bootsy’s creative output in recent years has served to champion newer acts carrying flame the helped light with James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic and more half a century ago. His last solo album, 2020’s The Power of the One, Collins mostly acted as master of ceremonies, allowing the spotlight to fall on a talented ensemble of guests like Branford Marsalis, Snoop Dogg, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, Victor Wooten, Christian McBride, Christone “KINGFISH” Ingram, and more. Over the last year, his extraterrestrial musical stylings have captured the public consciousness once again by way of Silk Sonic, the Grammy-sweeping retro-soul project from Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars. In addition to naming the band, Bootsy was featured throughout An Evening with Silk Sonic as the album’s “host.”
Lettuce—comprised of Adam Deitch (drums), Ryan Zoidis (saxophone), Adam ‘Shmeeans’ Smirnoff (guitar), Erick ‘Jesus’ Coomes (bass), Nigel Hall (keyboards/vocals), and Eric ‘Benny’ Bloom (trumpet)—has grown into a force to be reckoned with in the modern funk scene, commanding ever-more renown with each far-reaching album and globetrotting tour. While the new track marks the band’s first official collaboration with Collins, their paths have always seemed destined to cross eventually—and the result of that summit is worth the wait.
On “Keep That Funk Alive”, the old school meets the new wave in thrilling fashion. The track’s stank-faced, envelope filtered bassline establishes a direct connection to the Mothership as Bootsy sprinkles lyrical stardust and cosmic charisma over the groove like only he can.
Even before connecting with Bootsy directly, the Lettuce crew approached “Keep That Funk Alive” with Collins as a guiding light. As Deitch explains, the concept for the track was inspired by a Bootsy Collins Instagram post he happened to see during the dog days of the pandemic. “Linking up organically with one of the inventors of funk music, eternally iconic bassist and vocalist Bootsy Collins, still feels like a dream,” says Deitch of the collab. “Bootsy wants to keep the Funk alive…and we wholeheartedly agree with that statement. Major props to Bootzilla for believing in us!”
Stream or download “Keep That Funk Alive” by Lettuce featuring Bootsy Collins on the platform of your choice here or listen to the track via the player below. Pre-save or pre-order Unify ahead of its June 3rd release here. Pre-order vinyl and Unify centric merch bundles here.
Lettuce ft. Bootsy Collins – “Keep That Funk Alive”
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Lettuce has a busy schedule of upcoming tour dates on the books in support of the new album. Click below for a full list of dates and head here for ticketing info.
Among the highlights of the band’s upcoming tour schedule is the return of beloved St. Augustine, FL destination event Fool’s Paradise on June 4th and 5th. Lettuce will perform at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on both days of the event alongside appearances by Umphrey’s McGee, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Isaiah Sharkey, Jennifer Hartswick & Nick Cassarino, and Flamingosis. For tickets and more information, head here.
FLORIDA 🌴 See you in just over two weeks for @foolsparadisefl at @TheAmpSA 🤘 LETT’S RAGE!
Tickets >> https://t.co/1bxkpthNgo pic.twitter.com/yZQrhDqyCu
— Lettuce (@lettucefunk) May 18, 2022