James Brown Funk Songs for String Orchestra: Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag and I Got You (I Feel Good)

Immediately recognizable and always fun to move to, these James Brown funk tunes are sure to win over your audience. The driving interlocking rhythms, the short melodic and rhythmic phrases, and the bluesy harmonic vocabulary help to make these two pieces quintessential funk. Stretch yourself as a string player by allowing rhythm to master the timing rather than melody. Bring out a nice crunchy sound by chopping. Experiment and improvise with soloing. You're sure to enliven your repertoire with these contemporary string tunes.