Kool & The Gang at Paetec Park by Gloria Winston Al-Sarag
Fri, Jun 27, 2008  When they arrived on stage, Kool and the Gang did not disappoint me or those in attendance at Paetec Park during the 2008 Rochester Music Festival. Though they were billed as "co-headliners" the music critic in me thought they should have been the ones to close out the show, as apparently did those who were leaving the stadium when they completed their performance.
Hits like, "Joanna", "Hollywood Swinger"," Jungle Boogie", "Funky Stuff", "Cherish" and my all time favorite, " Summer Madness" only solidified that like good wine, Kool and the Gang only get better with time. Jirmard Gordon (NJ) and Shawn McQuillar (Buffalo, NY) alternated in leading various songs.
When background vocals were required the Brass and Rhythm section stepped to the microphone with their support. Their vocals and choreographed styling to the song being performed was much like that of an expensive frame around a beautiful painting.-The painting being the main focal point but the frame complimenting its beauty.
A highlight for me was the deliverance of their all time favorite, "Ladies Night" sung by Shawn. His dynamic performance driven by an extraordinary combination of lead, bass, and rhythm guitar, keyboards, drums, percussion, and brass caused just about every female within 50 feet of the stage to leave their seats and get closer to him. He appeared to have shocked Security when he jumped off the stage and climbed over several barriers to get to the overzealous females not only reacting to the music, and his vocals but I think his good looks had something to do with it also.
But, as I sat in anticipation of musical icons taking the stage at the Rochester Music Fest, I could not help but shake my head in disgust, embarrassment and disbelief in the lack of numbers in attendance-knowing how many 'dinosaurs' like me, exist n this community who I know often complain about the absence of genuine music we used to 'rock to' back in the day.
What I witnessed was no doubt the failure of young promoters lacking in a sense of history and respect for the "Masters." Forty years and still counting, Kool and Gang should have played to a packed house. There were no more than 1,000 people in attendance at the stadium which seats more than 17,000.
The original member of Kool and the Gang are Robert "Kool" Bell, Dennis Thomas, George Brown and Khalis Kayyan. Khalis, Kool's brother, normally contributes to the Rhythm section on tenor sax . He did not perform with them this past Sunday. Khalis has also contributed much to the group's success and longevity.
In speaking to Robert "Kool" Bell it became apparent that collective Spirituality and Family Values have contributed greatly to the long legacy and ability to maintain a 40 year presence in the music industry. He said that his Mother, the parents of original members, instilled in them form the onset the need to always treat each other as family first. The presence of Kool's younger brother, who plays Rhythm Guitar along with the role his son plays, speaks volumes to that intent. Khalis and Amir have adopted the family name of Kayyan, an Arabic name. Their Spiritual foundation and walk through this life was sealed after visiting Mecca. Kool has not made the name change officially and but anticipates doing so after he takes the Pilgrimage as well.
Interviewing Kool's younger brother Amir Bayyan, Rhythm Guitarist revealed more of the talent and family values within their ranks. Amir also played keyboard for 7 years, and took over as a guitarist when the need arose 4 years ago. Amazing and noteworthy is the fact that he does not read one note of music. He attributes his growth in music to hanging around his brothers and the Gang since their humble beginnings. He was too young to join at the time the group was formed but learned has become an accomplished musician with no formal training.
I also had the opportunity to interview Clifford Adams, trombone player, and was quite enlightened regarding his talent and resume. He is indeed a 'Quiet Storm'.
We weren't five minutes into the interview when I realized just who he was on the Jazz Scene as well. He sparked memories of the days he performed at the Pythodd Room with the likes of Charlie Earland, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Lou Donaldson and other Jazz Greats.
Recognizing his accolades and his co-authoring Kool and the Gang's infamous "Summer Madness" made all the sense in the world to me. Clifford has 2 albums of his own, and in addition to performing with Kool and the Gang since 1977, he also finds time to educate and teach our young folks in elementary and High School, "Jazz Awareness."
Teaching respect for the Jazz Masters has become a Mission for him when time permits him to do in his hometown Trenton, NJ. Clifford has also toured with the Stylistics.
One of his proudest moments was performing with the San Diego Symphony, with Dionne Warwick. He enjoys most of today's music, artist like Kim and Alicia Keys, "Neo soul artists" are among those he mentioned.
He said he respects those who write their own music as opposed to those who rely on "sampling," a bit more. Space will not permit me to write more about Clifford Dams and his noteworthy career. I do recommend taking a peek at his website which will reveal more about his talent and accomplishments and help one understand what he contributes spiritually to the continued success of Kool and the Gang. (www.cliffordadams.com)
Collectively, the main advice that Kool and other members would offer young and upcoming artists is to first learn their instrument, learn to read music but learn to play by ear as well. All also agreed that writing their own music, being creative and original are key factors in survival in the music industry.
A personal thanks to Cleveland Brown originally from Rochester, NY who was instrumental in setting up the interviews I conducted with Kool, Amir and Clifford. Cleve has been a fan of the "Gang" since day one and turned his distinction of Rochester Fan Club President into a dream realized. He has traveled with Kool and the Gang since 1977. He is currently their Executive Archivist and Historian.
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