Sly and the Family Stone are rightfully acknowledged as one of the most important groups of the '60's both sociologically ( social and racial politics) and musically . The ringmaster was Sly Stone, a creative force that could not be tamed- even by himself, it seems. After massive acclaim, performances at Woodstock, gold records, etc., his vision gradually grew darker, the performances more erratic- if he appeared at all. It eventually all crumbled in disarray, but not before he had created some of the funkiest music of all time, culminating in the albums "Stand", "There's A Riot Goin' On" and the vastly under appreciated "Fresh". The music business turned their back on Sly and his self destructive habits, and he lapsed into obscurity and oblivion for twenty or thirty years.
Lately he has been reappearing from time to time, not least in support- and at the urging- of his youngest daughter Novena Carmel, who is fronting her own excellent band aptly named Baby Stone ( http://cdbaby.com/cd/babystone ). Word got out he was doing a local show in Santa Monica, so, as a big fan I had to check it out.
Walking to the club I was almost run down by a really tricked out threewheeler motorbike with a mohawked black dude riding passenger. It was Sly of course, on his way to the soundcheck.
So how was it? Well, it was great seeing a legend up close and personal, and indeed he was on form, chatting with the audience in between leading the band through some hardcore funk and anthems from the past like "Family Affair", "If you Want Me To Stay" and "I Want To Take You Higher". But it is obvious that he is not in the greatest shape physically and left the stage on a couple occasions while Novena and the band carried on. It was also a talent night, meaning he asked audience members to sing ideas for songs that he could use on a new album. He selected a couple and went backstage to work up a treatment for them and after the interval played them back with the band. Kind of interesting, but many of us really wanted to see a full Sly Stone show, and indeed at one point it looked like it might happen. Rose Stone, his sister and founding member of Family Stone got up and joined Novena singing on stage. Also guesting was George Johnson of Brothers Johnson fame ("I'll Be Good To You", "Strawberry Letter 22", etc) and some hearty jams ensued, notably on the "Thank You For Lettin' Me Be Myself Again"riff. His band was on top form churning out some whiplash bass and drum heavy grooves. But the continuity of the evening left something to be desired with songs being stopped in the middle and changed on a whim. However, while he was onstage Sly was never less than mesmerizing and he seemed as appreciative of the audience as they were of him. Rumor has it there is a new album in the works and on this night it was obvious that its way too early to count Sly Stone out, even though many have tried.
