As an original member of The Brooklyn, Bronx & Queens Band (1981’s “On the Beat”) and touring bassist with the late Rick James’ Stone City Band, Paris Ford was in good company to hone his chops as a multi-hyphenate performer. He spent the better part of four decades recording material showcasing a cross-section of stylistic prowess and interpretive finesse. Many of his records were released independently before the digital age, resulting in limited exposure. Recent years, however, have seen Ford compile and unearth a number of gems he cut during the ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s via partnerships with boutique reissue labels.
Ford has now issued a 17-track CD compilation, Diggin’ N Da Crates, comprised of solo singles and tracks featuring seasoned session singers and studio groups. The first single, “Roll-A-Skate,” was unreleased upon its completion in the early eighties. Produced by none other than Arthur Baker, the unfiltered funk of Ford’s bass, Ron Pacaud’s guitar, drummer Pumpkin, and pianist Lionel Henderson emanates sheer New York energy from a musical era unhampered by the short attention spans, celebrity culture, and product mentality which permeate much of today’s landscape. Featured vocalist Gina Lewis’ earthy and spirited delivery matches the in-the-pocket groove of the rhythm section, while Ford contributes a vocal cameo and an unshakable synth-bass solo between choruses.
Available on 7” vinyl through UK-based Epsilon Record Co., “Roll-A-Skate” features the rock-solid instrumental version on the flipside. It’s arguably an even stronger record than “Be My Girl,” the 1982 single which Ford released on Baker’s Streetwise label under the alias Pee Wee. Undoubtedly, it’s a contagiously melodic party jam that serves as a reminder of how authentically funky musicians in the post-disco era laid the foundation for danceable soul music with a timeless vibe.
