NILE RODGERS KNOWS GROOVES

A talk with the master producer, songwriter and guitarist

I have probably interviewed Nile Rodgers more than any single musician. My first interview as an intern at Billboard magazine was with Nile and his partner, bassist Bernard Edwards, back in 1978 when they had just emerged with Chic as a disco band. Over the years Nile has evolved into one of the most prolific forces in pop music, having produced massive hits for David Bowie, Madonna, Sister Sledge and Diana Ross. In an era when musicianship has been overpowered by samples and tech, his guitar sound is perhaps the most identifiable musical signatures around. Just ask Daft Punk.

But the roots of his rhythmic mastery are in ‘70s funk and the black band culture of his era. Though labeled a disco band, Chic was at its core a funky power trio anchored by Nile, Bernard and drummer Tony Thompson, who’s locked in precision is still widely sampled and imitated by younger musicians in search of good grooves.

These previously unseen out takes from my Finding the Funk doc are testaments to Nile’s taste, historical knowledge and intelligence. A thrid part will premiere on my You Tube channel tomorrow at Noon. Speaking of taste his Manhattan apartment is one of the most elegant I’ve had to pleasure to visit.