Do What Cha Wanna Hip Pockets: A Funky Jazz Masterpiece That Still Grooves
Alright, let’s talk about Do What Cha Wanna Hip Pockets by The Billy Cobham George Duke Band. Released in '76 under Atlantic Records, this album is a funky little gem that blends jazz with soul and throws in some serious groove sauce. It's like someone took the smoothness of jazz, dipped it in funk, and sprinkled it with just enough chaos to keep you hooked.
First off, kudos to Billy Cobham and George Duke for producing this beast. And hey, George wrote these tracks too—talk about wearing multiple hats! This isn’t just another record; it’s an experience. Two tracks stand out so much they practically slap you across the face (in a good way): “Do What Cha Wanna” and “Hip Pockets.”
“Do What Cha Wanna” kicks things off with this swaggering bassline that feels like your living room floor might turn into a dancefloor at any second. The drums are tight, almost conversational, as if Billy Cobham is having a chat with his kit instead of playing it. Then there’s George Duke on keys—he doesn’t just play notes; he makes them sing, shout, and shimmy. You can tell this track was made for people who wanna move but also think while they’re doing it. It’s got layers, man. Layers you don’t notice until the fifth listen, and then BAM—you’re obsessed.
Now, “Hip Pockets” flips the vibe entirely. It starts subtle, almost shy, before exploding into this wild mix of syncopated rhythms and electric piano vibes. There’s something mischievous about how the melody sneaks up on you—it’s playful yet sophisticated, like a cat walking through a fancy party. Every time I hear it, I imagine George Duke smirking behind the keyboard, like, "Yeah, I did that." Honestly, this track sticks because it doesn’t try too hard. It lets the music breathe, wander, and find its own path.
What’s wild is how fresh this album still sounds today. Sure, it came out in the '70s, but it could’ve dropped last week and nobody would bat an eye. Maybe that’s the magic of jazz-funk—it ages better than fine wine or... I dunno, bell-bottom jeans?
But here’s the kicker: listening to Do What Cha Wanna Hip Pockets feels less like hearing music and more like overhearing a conversation between two genius friends vibing together. It’s raw, unfiltered creativity bottled up in vinyl form. And honestly? If aliens ever invade Earth, we should blast this album into space as proof that humans know how to have fun. Just saying.
