Clinton, P-Funk show no signs of slowing down

Spencer Patterson

Monday, Nov. 15, 2004 | 8:19 a.m.

Legendary frontman George Clinton and his Parliament-Funkadelic crew rocked Rain at the Palms for 3 1/2 hours Sunday night, sending their audience home in a blissful daze after the clock struck midnight.

Actually, by that point, the crowd had been whittled down considerably from the 1,500 or so partying hard when the night began.

The 64-year-old Clinton and his colorful cast of characters outlasted all but their most dedicated followers with a high-energy set comprised of classic P-Funk material.

Even after the house lights came on and Clinton himself had exited the scene, a handful of the 25 or so P-Funk musicians remained onstage, jamming even as roadies began packing away the equipment around them.

Despite the free-form nature of the proceedings, most of the music was performed tightly, the result of the giant group's many years of playing alongside one another.

A thumping version of "Funkentelechy" got the night off to a raucous start. Longtime P-Funk member Garry "Starchild" Shider -- wearing nothing but his trademark baby diaper -- and female vocalist Belita Woods got the crowd dancing even before Clinton arrived onstage.

When the flamboyant headliner appeared to a chorus of cheers, he declared, "Oh, you're gonna get the funk," and immediately led his band through "Give up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)," a cut off 1975's seminal "Mothership Connection" album.

While funk was the first order of business, however, it was hardly the last, as P-Funk demonstrated its considerable range throughout the show.

Trippy psychedelic piece "Maggot Brain" was a highlight, stretching for more than 15 minutes and featuring haunting solos from violinist Lili Hayden and guitarist Michael "Kid Funkadelic" Hampton.

Several P-Funk members rapped. Saxophonist Greg Thomas did some scat singing. And the group even covered a few rock 'n' roll oldies, closing the main set with a medley that included Jerry Lee Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and Danny & The Juniors' "At the Hop."

Occasionally, the band's improvised jams sagged a bit, as during a slow-developing rendition of "Up for the Down Stroke."

More often, though, P-Funk locked into a deep groove and never let go, turning a less-familiar number such as "Flashlight" into a truly awesome spectacle. (Carlos "Sir Nose" McMurray's wild dance atop one of the stage's giant speakers during the song didn't hurt either.)

Clinton appeared no closer to retirement than when he first set out with Parliament in 1970, dancing with his mates, banging on his microphone for effect and projecting his singing voice solidly throughout the club.

And that's great news for P-Funk fans, provided Clinton gives them a chance to catch up on their sleep before returning to town.